![Cookie Munchers recently opened its first Florida location near the University of South Florida. [Photo courtesy of Cookie Munchers]](https://www.tampabay.com/resizer//U_Ak42sBdRNi19RnXjqgOlD5af4=/426x0/smart/filters:format(webP)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/F7IKAWGIJEI6TGNIIBWI6S7HAY.jpg "Cookie Munchers recently opened its first Florida location near the University of South Florida. [Photo courtesy of Cookie Munchers]")
TAMPA - In 2016, recent Rowan University graduates Cassie Aran and Brandon Lucante launched a new business baking and delivering cookies. Lacking the funds for a storefront, they operated Cookie Munches out of a bagel shop in Glassboro, N.J. Despite not having signage, advertising or even a phone number, the business benefited from positive word of mouth and a series of YouTube videos the duo created about their new venture.
"People heard about us and we did really, really well and it got big very fast," said Aran.
A year and half ago, Aran and Lucante opened a Cookie Munchers storefront near their alma mater in Glassboro, and have since expanded with a second location near the University of South Florida.
They chose Tampa because of the large student population and the opportunity to open additional locations in the future.
Cookie Munchers offers freshly baked, oversized cookies, edible cookie dough, ice cream and cookie cakes. The cakes, which come in two sizes, are giant chocolate chip cookies with fudge in the middle.
"The cakes are very popular for birthdays since we deliver," said Aran. "We do our own delivery."
Aran and Lucante pointed out that they wanted to provide excellent customer service, so they chose to make their own deliveries instead of using a third-party service.
Those with a late night craving for cookies are in luck since Cookie Munchers is open extended hours. It is open 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday-Tuesday and 1 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
Catering and online ordering is available.
Cookie Munchers is at 11842 Bruce B Downs Blvd. For more information, call (813) 631-0050 or visit rucookiemunchers.com.
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