Great American Cookies
| Company type | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food |
| Founded | 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Founder | Michael J. Coles, Arthur Karp |
| Headquarters | Atlanta , United States |
Area served | Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, Guam |
| Products | Gourmet cookies |
| Owner | FAT Brands (since 2021) |
| Parent | Global Franchise Group (2010–2021) |
Great American Cookie Co., operating under the trade name Great American Cookies, is a U.S.-based gourmet cookie franchise featuring more than 290 outlets primarily situated in shopping centers across the Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has been incorporated into the Global Franchise Group since 2010.
History
Entrepreneurs Michael J. Coles and Arthur Karp founded the company with an initial investment of $4,000 each, launching their first store at Atlanta's Perimeter Mall in 1977, inspired by a family cookie recipe. The original store quickly gained popularity, prompting the start of franchising operations within one year.
By 1985, the business had reached $100 million in yearly revenue, positioning it as the largest cookie retail chain nationwide. That same year, Coles renamed the company from the Original Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Company to Great American Cookie Company to strengthen its appeal across the national market.
In 1998, after surpassing $100 million in sales, Coles sold the enterprise to Mrs. Fields Famous Brands. On January 29, 2008, NexCen Brands Inc. added it to its Quick Service Restaurant group alongside Marble Slab Creamery, MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery, and Pretzelmaker. Since July 2010, these brands have been under the ownership of Global Franchise Group, LLC, which is managed by GFG Management and connected with Levine Leichtman Capital Partners.
On June 28, 2021, Global Franchise Group announced its acquisition by FAT Brands, known for Fatburger and Johnny Rockets; this deal was finalized on July 22. The acquisition broadened FAT Brands' international presence and diversified its portfolio within the food franchising sector.