Jul 29

Crumbl Cookies set to open doors this week in Mentor (Ohio)

National chain aims to draw people in with sweet smells

By Jean Bonchak – Published July 27, 2021

Crumbl Cookies in Mentor is the popular franchise’s first store to open in Northeast Ohio. (Jean Bonchak)

In a move that would make Cookie Monster happy, Crumbl Cookies is set to open its doors in Mentor (Ohio). The new shop. with its modern, minimalist interior, is set to host a grand opening on July 30 at 9662 Mentor Ave., across from Target. Currently paired with its distinctive setup is a singular product — enormous cookies created in more than 150 specialty flavors that are offered on a weekly rotating basis.

A prolific research and development department in Utah, where Crumbl Cookies originated, develops new recipes “inspired by popular flavors, foods, desserts of all kinds — from pies to cakes to candies and more,” according to the company website. A themed “Carnival” week recently tendered caramel apple, cotton candy and cinnamon fry bread varieties, along with chilled sugar and milk chocolate chip, the only staple selections on hand daily.

Andrew Fonda, who moved to Mentor from Montana to open the franchise, worked as a chemical engineer prior to specializing in the sweet treats.  He said that his initial introduction to Crumbl Cookies while visiting a shop a few years ago was an enticing experience. “The open bakery… you smell the cookies, see the cookies, it was kind of a cool space,” he said.  Based on a suggestion from friends, he decided to check out the Northeast Ohio market, scouting possible locations. Ultimately, Mentor fit the bill.  “We really like the Mentor area and the communities surrounding it, and we chose a convenient location where people will already be out shopping,” he said. “It’s a great retail area.”

Andrew Fonda is the owner/operator of the new Crumbl Cookies set to open on July 30 in Mentor. (Jean Bonchak)

Visitors to the store will find sleek black-and-white décor accompanied by punches of pink, a confectionary color used for their streamlined, signature cookie boxes. An open-concept kitchen allows patrons to take a peek at the baking process from its beginning, blending ingredients from scratch, to the final decorated product. Orders can be placed online or in-house. Delivery is also available. Fonda noted that the bulk of business takes place on site, where customers capture the cookies’ sweet, sugary smells.

Since its inception approximately four years ago, more than 200 Crumbl Cookies stores have opened in 32 states, and several more are planned. Fonda is already working on an additional establishment for the Mayfield area. A huge social media presence definitely has helped the company’s quick and steady growth. The first TikTok video featuring its cookies drew more than a million views. And its “Unbox the Pink Box” YouTube videos, which cleverly introduce the four specialty cookies being featured for the week, typically garner thousands of looks.

A June article titled “How Crumbl Cookies took over TikTok” by Maile McCann on modernretail.com states that “The keys to the brand’s success are a rotating flavor drop model, social media savvy and a commitment to digital integration at every touchpoint.” Among the batches and varieties presented, one cookie flavor rises to the top layer of crowd favorites. “Our milk chocolate chip is a staple on our menu for a reason,” said Anna Tibbitts, the company’s public relations specialist. “It’s not only award-winning but was the first cookie on our menu when Crumbl started.”

All cookies are boxed and may be purchased separately or in four-, six- or 12-pack assortments. Smaller-sized cookies are available for catering orders only. Boxes can also be customized with a bow, sticker and note for special gift-giving. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; and closed Sundays.

Loading

written by admin \\ tags: , ,

May 08

Local healthcare workers shown support through community effort

By: KMTV Staff – Posted at 6:53 PM, May 07, 2020

 

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — This week, area hospital workers were surprised with free lunches thanks to a joint effort by the Salvation Army.  It’s meant to salute those on the frontlines of this ongoing pandemic.

How the Salvation Army honored healthcare workers.

The Salvation Army says it’s part of a three-state campaign between South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska…and it’s called heart for our heroes.  The lunches were packed up by local restaurants and were delivered today.

”We have had such an outpouring of love and support,” said healthcare worker Janice Fonda. “I’m so grateful and all of our staff is to everyone, the Salvation Army, Blue Cross Blue Shield and all of the individuals and corporations and small businesses that have reached out to us. It’s just amazing. I have the best job in the world because I see all the good that’s happening”

Thursday wasn’t the only event. More lunches will be delivered Friday.

Loading

written by admin \\ tags: ,

Apr 30

Myrtle Beach bar owner offers explanation after police find customers inside business

By Kristin Nelson | April 29, 2020 at 3:18 PM EDT – Updated April 29 at 11:22 PM

 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Police busted a Myrtle Beach bar after they said they found multiple customers drinking inside, even though the governor’s order prohibits it. Officers were called just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Foster’s Cafe and Bar on North Kings Highway after a person in the community complained about the bar serving to the public. When police arrived, they said they noticed multiple cars in the parking lot.

Myrtle Beach bar owner offers explanation after police find customers inside business

The officers “walked inside and multiple bar patrons were inside of the bar consuming open containers of alcohol,” according to the police report. Police also noted that the customers were sitting close to one another at the bar and also at tables. They added that the bartender was serving the customers. Officers met the owner of the bar, Donald Fonda Jr., and informed him of the executive order put in place by the governor, which prohibits dine-in service at bars and restaurants. They are only allowed to do delivery and take-out in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Fonda told WMBF News he disputes the police report and said the customers inside his bar were following social distancing guidelines becuase they were seated with their loved ones. “Those people are married… that couple lives together. They weren’t dining in, but they were having a drink while they waited for their food so they could take it home. Obviously, I guess, I was in the wrong,” Fonda said.

According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s website, Fonda was charged with ordinance/enforcement and remedies of regarding executive order. “He wrote me a ticket and I have to appear in June for a hearing,” Fonda said. “No, I was not arrested. I’m just trying to stay open and survive.” Fonda posted on Facebook that the bar will continue to do take-out orders for customers.

Loading

written by admin \\ tags: ,

Apr 03

Sylvan Lake plumbers ask for social distancing while working in homes

Fonda’s Plumbing and Heating says they went out to six service calls in one day during the outbreak

Megan Roth Apr. 2, 2020 12:30 p.m. Local News

Social distancing is an issue in places you might not expect.

Though the calendar says it is spring, one look out the window shows it is still very much winter. When it is cold and snowy outside things like running water and heating are extremely important. During an epidemic like the current COVID-19 outbreak, makes plumbing services an essential service for all Albertans. This means that trained men and women will have to come into your home during an epidemic to assess an emergency situation and fix whatever problem may have arisen.

Kelly Fonda, owner of Fonda’s Plumbing and Heating, says in a single day he has received six service calls for homes without heat. “That is six homes we had to go into and assess the situation to keep families warm and comfortable,” Fonda said. Plumbers and other tradesmen who are still on the clock to keep Albertans comfortable in their own homes, are given as much protection against the coronavirus as possible while working.

Sylvan Lake, Alberta

In the case of employees at Fonda’s Plumbing and Heating, precautions are taken right from the beginning of each morning. Each employee has their temperature taken and asked if they have any symptoms or come into contact with anyone who has symptoms. “We have been lucky so far, none of my guys have shown any symptoms. If they did they would be sent home to self-isolate,” Fonda says. Along with a morning procedure, every employee has an arsenal of cleaning supplies, gloves and some masks to ensure their safety, and the homeowner’s, while working.

Fonda says his employees are told to keep their distance from homeowners as much a possible, to keep the prescribed two metre buffer between them. During this time Fonda says it is also important for homeowners to keep their distance from those coming in to work on their home. “I know it is tough, you have a stranger coming into your home and you want to watch and be nearby as they work, but right now if it important to keep that buffer,” Fonda said. “You need to trust the tradespeople who are coming into your home.”

Most of those working in trades, such as plumbing, are only taking on emergency work during the epidemic.
According to Fonda, all construction work scheduled has been put on the back burner for the time being. Instead he and his team are focusing on emergencies such as leak, no heat calls or frozen pipes. “People need to think about what they are calling us for. Sure now may seem like a good time to redo that basement bathroom, but it isn’t,” said Fonda.

Loading

written by admin \\ tags: ,

Jan 22

Southern Indiana 5th grader reunites with first responders who helped save her life during basketball game

Jan 19, 2018 by Jessica Bard

Southern Indiana 5th grader reunites with first responders who helped save her life during basketball game.

Carly Fonda was playing in a Saturday basketball tournament just two weeks ago at Floyd Central High School when everything went wrong. The fifth grader had the game of her career, and her team was soon scheduled to be back out on the court for another one. “I felt pretty good through the first half,” she said. “And then, it was the third quarter, and I was not feeling very well.”

Carly asked her coach to come off the court. She couldn’t breathe. “He thought I was just messing around, and I fell out of my chair,” she said. Her heart suddenly stopped beating. “They were just like ‘She’s having a seizure,’” Carly remembers. “And then they checked my pulse, and I did not have one.”

A group of strangers in the crowd jumped into action. A nurse and a firefighter were among them, and they called for an AED shock to revive her. “I can’t thank them enough,” Carly said. “I don’t know what to do. We can’t find them, but I really just want to say thank you.”

Floyd Central High School is a public high school in the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation and is located in Southern Indiana, in Floyds Knobs, an unincorporated area in Floyd County, Indiana.

With mom and dad close by Friday, Carly was reunited with two of her guardian angels. “We always say her angels came out and took care of business,” said Beth Fonda, Carly’s mother. “So thank you all so much.” “You guys did not know me a lot, but you helped save my life,” Carly said to nurse Karrie Gricius and firefighter, James Richey. “I just can’t explain it.”

Carly and her family said they can’t express enough gratitude for everyone who helped save her life, which led to a diagnosis of a rare heart defect then open-heart surgery. It’s ”extremely [rare] from what I understand,” Gricius said. “It’s less than 10 percent that have this genetic anomaly, and the mortality rate is extremely high as well.”

Fonda is expected to make a full recovery, and eventually get back up to playing the game she loves. “Your incident actually is probably going to end up saving a lot more lives,” Richey told Carly. “There are several organizations that are actually purchasing AED’s that never had them because this was a big eye opener for them.”

Copyright 2018 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.

Loading

written by admin \\ tags: , ,