Philadelphia’s hometown star cookie operation of 20-plus years, Insomnia Cookies, has hefty competition. Just last year, New York’s Chip City Cookies and Florida-based Blueprint Cookies both opened their first Philadelphia storefronts a few blocks away in Rittenhouse. Next up: Levain Bakery plans to open a brand new bakery at 1518 Walnut Street. Not only is Levain the latest addition to Philadelphia’s explosive sweet treats scene—there are more than 25 boutique bakeries in the city— but the chain is also part of an ongoing New York-Philadelphia expansion scene that includes the likes of Laser Wolf, HipCityVeg, Emmy Squared, Paulie Gee’s Soul City Slice, Han Dynasty, Fette Sau, and others. While locals debate if that’s good or bad for our city, cookie enthusiasts are ready to line up for a taste.
Born out of a spontaneous night of cookie baking in 1995, Levain Bakery owners Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald unknowingly started a beloved New York City institution that’s now 30 years strong. Now Levain will join Philadelphia’s iconic Walnut Street corridor in Rittenhouse—a hub for upscale shopping and dining—a natural fit for these pricey cookies (Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment starts at $29 for a four-pack). The 3200-square-foot retail bakery and production space will mark the brand’s first Philadelphia footprint and 15th location nationwide.
New Yorkers have long loved their six-ounce handmade “crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside” cookies, such as Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, and Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip. All of these will be on the Philadelphia opening menu, alongside breads and pastries baked fresh on-site daily. The shop is targeting a fall opening with local pickup and delivery options as well.
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