Cookie craze catches on at UB

Teeshan Udayakumar is a night owl. He likes staying up –– and eating –– late.

But he didn’t expect to change his eating habits to accommodate UB’s meal hours when he arrived on campus this semester.

“Having nothing to eat after 12 [a.m. some days] does not cut it for me,” Udayakumar, a freshman computer science major, said.

Luckily for Udayakumar, a new late-night vendor has arrived right across from North Campus, and students couldn’t be more thrilled. Insomnia Cookies, a chain cookie-delivery service, provides customers with a variety of cookies they can order from its website or app. Those who can’t visit the storefront can have cookies delivered directly to campus and surrounding neighborhoods for a $2.99 delivery fee.

Insomnia Cookies originated at the University of Pennsylvania in a student’s dorm room. The first location opened its doors in Syracuse, NY in 2006 and the company has since grown to roughly 100 locations, with its newest addition opening Sept. 13 in the University Place Plaza on Sweet Home Road.  

Students are drawn to the spot for its “affordable” pricing, with a traditional cookie costing $1.65, and cookie packages starting at $9.50 for a six pack.

 Patrons can satisfy their cravings with 21 cookie varieties, cookie cakes and brownies. Popular options include classic chocolate chunk, the snickerdoodle and the white chocolate macadamia. It also serves a vegan and gluten-free version of the classic chocolate chip cookie. 

 Caitlyn Curley, a junior nursing major, ordered her cookies for pickup after the grand opening.

  “I never had Insomnia Cookies, and everyone told me I had to try them. I was definitely not disappointed,” Curly said. “Now I have an option to order cookies when I want to go to the library, when I’m studying and want a snack.”

 The bakery is well known for its additives as well. Customers can pair their late-night snack with milk or ice cream on the side, as a sandwich, side, pint or a whole quart. 

The location has a roughly four-mile delivery radius, encompassing North and South Campus communities. The bakery also offers a pick-up option at their storefront for those outside of the delivery range. 

Cookies can be delivered every day, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. and weekends from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.  

Zachary Tenenbaum, a senior computer science major, thinks Insomnia Cookies will be remembered as a classic college experience and may take business from other late-night food options in the area, including on campus. 

“I think long term, it’s going to be up there with the late-night greats: think Taco Bell and Wendy’s territory,” Tenenbaum said. “It beats Perks 10 times out of 10.”

Ashley Guglielmo is a staff writer and can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com.