Bang Cookies

Bang Cookies was founded in 2016 by George Kuan, who started the brand at a farmer's market stall in Jersey City, New Jersey. The company remains headquartered there, with Kuan serving as founder and CEO, Michael Smilovitch as co owner overseeing Strategy and Corporate Development, and Corey Bonalewicz as co owner and social media influencer. The brand sells giant, soft baked, organic cookies made with premium ingredients such as grass fed butter and Madagascar bourbon vanilla, without preservatives. As of 2024, Bang Cookies operates 4 company owned units, with 5 franchise units in development. Its national franchise expansion program launched in January 2024 with Oakscale, founded in 2017 by CEO Joshua Kovacs, CFE, and operating as a subsidiary of Metric Collective. The rotating menu includes Cinnamon Whiskey Crackle Cookies and Snickerchurro Cookies. Products ship across all 50 states. Bang Cookies has received coverage from MSNBC Fox and Friends, The New York Times, Food Insider, and Business Insider.

The U.S. cookie market was valued at $11,677.1 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $18.77 billion by 2029. The broader North American cookies market was valued at $12.6 billion and is projected to reach $20.23 billion by the end of 2030. Demand is supported by rising interest in clean label products, gluten free recipes, and Non GMO certified ingredients, which align with Bang Cookies' organic, all natural, preservative free positioning. Younger consumers show a greater willingness to pay for gourmet food experiences, while urban consumers with growing disposable incomes are seeking artisan alternatives to mass produced snacks. Gourmet cookies also benefit from premium food purchasing and the expansion of third party delivery platforms. The category remains fragmented, with no single national brand holding the dominant share seen in some quick service restaurant categories.

The initial Bang Cookies franchise fee is $55,000. A Bakery Shop requires total initial investment of $404,370 to $712,020, while a Shop satellite location requires $235,070 to $390,840. Costs vary with geography, construction, leasehold improvements, and equipment. Construction and leasehold improvements for the Bakery Shop range from $75,000 to $150,000. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment range from $176,370 to $224,020. Other Bakery Shop costs include signage of $15,000 to $25,000, grand opening marketing of $10,000 to $20,000, initial inventory of $5,000 to $10,000, travel for initial training of $3,500 to $7,500, professional fees of $2,000 to $7,500, technology implementation fees of $1,500 to $3,000, licenses and permits of $2,000 to $4,000, and three months of additional working capital of $40,000 to $70,000. The liquid capital requirement is $250,000, and the net worth requirement is $500,000.

Bang Cookies centers its operating model on a focused menu of giant, soft baked, organic cookies. That product mix can simplify inventory and production compared with a full service bakery or cafe. The brand describes its labor model as lean, with minimal labor costs and a small team. Franchisees can choose between the full Bakery Shop and the smaller satellite location. Initial training totals 60 hours, including 23 hours of classroom instruction and 37 hours of on the job training. The Managing Owner and one designated manager must complete training within 45 days before the business start date. Training is available in person or online. Attendance by more than two people carries an additional fee of $300 per person. Support includes an operational support team, marketing strategies, and content creation assistance from Corey Bonalewicz. Each franchisee receives a Designated Territory consisting of a three mile radius around the shop, adjusted for population density and local demographics. While the franchisee remains in good standing, the franchisor will not establish a competing Bang Cookies franchise within that radius. These protections do not cover online sales, wholesale distribution, or operations under other brand names.

The available results come from 4 company owned units and 0 franchised units as of 2024, so they may not reflect results across different markets, lease structures, or operator skill levels.

Bang Cookies launched its formal franchise program in 2023 and announced its national expansion initiative in January 2024. The brand targeted 20 or more new satellite store locations across the nation by the end of 2024, while 5 franchise units were in development. The first satellite franchise location was planned for King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Oakscale's team includes CEO Rob Huntington, Chief Development Officer Joshua Kovacs, Chief Marketing Officer Paul Omps, and Chief Operating Officer Nicole Smith. Bang Cookies' growth strategy relies on its premium all natural product, Corey Bonalewicz's social media presence, national direct to consumer shipping, and a playful brand identity. Media coverage from The New York Times, Business Insider, and MSNBC Fox and Friends may support awareness as franchisees enter new markets.

The brand seeks entrepreneurs with community engagement skills and enough management experience to operate a focused food and beverage retail concept. Retail food and beverage experience is welcomed but not required. Bang Cookies also recruits semi absentee owners and entrepreneurs with experience operating multiple food service units. The company is seeking multi unit franchise developers for national expansion. The financial requirements are $250,000 in liquid capital and $500,000 in net worth. Territories are available across the national footprint, including markets beyond the brand's New Jersey origin. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania represents the first franchised market penetration point. Prospective franchisees should review transfer, renewal, and resale provisions in the Franchise Disclosure Document before investing.

Bang Cookies combines an emerging franchise system with a product positioned around organic, all natural, preservative free recipes and premium ingredients. The U.S. gourmet cookie market is projected to reach $18.77 billion by 2029. Investors considering this 2023 vintage franchise system should verify the results, assess the early stage operating history, and weigh the opportunity to establish territory before the system matures against the risks of limited franchised unit data. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders. It is not a lender.