Decorate your own Eat'n Park Smiley cookies at home
Eat’n Park on Tuesday launched decorating kits for its popular Smiley cookies.
The package contains six plain, baked Smiley cookies, three bags of colorful icing, sanding sugar and sprinkles.
Decorating Smiley cookies has always been a hit at community events with Eat’n Park’s Team Smiley, said Kevin O’Connell, the chain’s chief marketing officer.
“Now, we’re offering that experience to take home,” O’Connell said.
A kit costs $10.99 and can be purchased online or by phone for pickup through an Eat’n Park drive-thru or at contactless grab-and-go lobby shelves.
Marci Gonda, the general manager of the North Huntingdon location, suggested creating cookie kits. She researched what would be needed and invited guests to decorate the sweet treats at that location and they loved it.
“I think our customers will love this,” O’Connell said. “I think people are running out of things to do in their house, and this can be fun. The cookies are super fresh and a just-iced cookie will taste amazing.”
He suggested people take photos of their cookies and share pictures via social media with Eat’n Park.
O’Connell said they will see how customers respond and then decide if they will continue the kits once restaurants are reopened fully. Like all restaurants, they are restricted to takeout options. The chain has added everyday grocery items for sale during the pandemic.
“We have been working every day to think of new ideas for takeout,” O’Connell said. “Last year, 15 percent of our business was take-out. Right now, it’s 100 percent. We are adapting. In these times, you just have to adapt.”
Since 1949, Eat’n Park Restaurants has been a family-owned restaurant chain, serving Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The company employs more than 8,000.
Eat’n Park donates almost half a million Smiley cookies annually to support community events and fundraisers.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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