High Street is about to get a little sweeter.
Alibi Cookies is planning to open at 222 E. High St. by June. The small business that focuses on homemade cookies in a wide variety of flavors started last year in St. Louis, owner and operator Mike Evans said. Evans started with what he calls the "CookieBot," a 24/7 vending machine that dispenses warm cookies.
"We bounced that machine around, from location to location, bars, parks, everything else," Evans said.
Then, in January, he opened his first storefront in St. Louis and stationed the CookieBot out front. With the store came additional menu items, such as ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, shakes, cookie cakes and more.
"It's done well," Evans said.
Evans said while many people say there's no worse time to start a business, considering the continuation of the global COVID-19 pandemic, he sees things a bit differently.
"I think this is the perfect time to do it," he said, noting the reactions from some when he talks about expanding to a second location within six months of the original location's opening. "Sometimes, you've just got to take that leap of faith."
Opening a second store wasn't necessarily his goal when Evans first looked at Jefferson City. The original plan was to find a good spot for a second CookieBot, he said, and maybe consider a retail space.
Then, he took a trip to Jefferson City's local Hallmark store, owned by Mayor Carrie Tergin. Evans said the two began talking, and when he mentioned possibly needing a retail space, she quickly got Evans in touch with her father, who owns the space at 222 E. High St. Evans said he toured the space the same day.
"I walked in and I immediately knew," he said, describing the space as "perfect."
He said, in that moment, he knew as long as the price was right, that spot would be the next home for Alibi Cookies.
Evans said the process of getting his business set up in Jefferson City has been fairly streamlined and pleasant, and he's looking forward to getting the shop up and running.
"Everyone's been so nice supportive," he said. "It's been awesome. Everyone's so excited."
He said he is still toying with different concepts for the new store, including a potential milk bar. The creative aspect of his business is something he loves, noting he usually sets aside Mondays as his day to experiment with new recipes and methods.
Evans said he hopes to open May 29, though that date is tentative as work still needs to be done at the space on High Street before opening. Once that happens, Alibi Cookies will be open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with the 24/7 CookieBot available out front.
Evans noted the business is hiring, and anyone interested should check out Alibi Cookies on Facebook for a link to an application.
When asked to sum up his business in a pitch to new customers, Evans kept it simple.
"Warm, deliciousness," he said. "There's no other way to describe it. ... There's nothing like it in Jeff City."
Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected].