RICHMOND, Va. – Red Eye Cookie Company recently announced they will offer daytime delivery. In March 2014, they were the first to provide a such a service and since then have gained a storefront of their own, added employees and expanded the delivery zone — multiple times.
Two other competitors have opened, at one point all operating within blocks of one another, though one recently bowed out of the cookie wars.
The locally-owned Red Eye first started hustling cookies made in Sally Bell’s Kitchen near VCU, working at night when the spot was free.
Their recent move into 935 W. Grace Street, the empty location of former competitor Campus Cookies, has given them the opportunity to grow the brand, according to owner Brayden Pleasants.
“We were kind of limited in that location [Sally Bell],” he said. “Daytime delivery was always kind of a goal.”
Pleasants estimated they sell around 1,000 cookies a night, and they also provide wholesale to 20 plus shops around Richmond.
“The team has grown to around 20,” he said, which includes management and social media roles.
With business in a sweet spot, Pleasants said that were able to take customer feedback and expand into parts of Northside, Church Hill and Rockett’s Landing.
In addition to cookies, milk and coffee, Red Eye also now delivers cookie cakes, ice cream and coffee travelers.
The new storefront comes with a patio, where they “plan to put out cornhole boards.”
Pleasants also wanted to spread the word about a deal they offer law enforcement.
“Our local police officers can stop in and get a free cookie and cup of coffee — and warm up,” he said.
The new daytime hours are noon to 2 a.m., Sunday – Wednesday and noon to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Delivery zones are mapped outhere.
