Twelve teens and a dream to help fund positive activities for youth in Sheridan, Willamina, and Grand Ronde, Oregon, evolved into what is now Glorie Cookies.
In November 2010, Kathie Byers' mission to educate and inspire youth to achieve their financial goals via entrepreneurship was fulfilled by developing a cookie business, formerly Kathie's Kookies, through the non-profit LINCS. Proceeds paid wages to teens, who could pay for activities such as snowboard trips to Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. Kathie dreamed of building a recreational center in her hometown of Sheridan, Oregon, to support the youth and the community.
From 2010 to 2015, the cookies grew in popularity and became a workforce training program for many youth. LINCS purchased a coffee shop in 2015 called Bridge Street Coffee House in hopes it would provide the space and customers to expand the cookie business and the work training opportunities for youth.
Glorie Cookies has deep roots in community engagement, starting as a nonprofit fundraiser for positive youth development. The initial chapter in Kathie's Kookies laid the foundation, and after a reflective pause post-pandemic, Glorie Cookies emerged in 2021. Our dream is to not just run a profitable cookie company but to make Oregon renowned as the home of Glorie Cookies.
In 2020, Kathie felt the calling to pursue her journey at the rec center. In talking with her good friend, Gioia Goodrum, about the possibility of restarting her cookie company, the first partnership was born. Kathie had been working with Florian Raqueño to raise funds for charitable projects. Gioia and Kathie invited Florian to be part owner, and the trio was complete.
Kathie’s Kookies’ had already been trademarked by another company, so a new name had to be created for the cookie business. During one of their partner meetings, Kathie, Florian, and Gioia combined all three of their names to develop Glorie Cookies. Gioia Goodrum has since stepped away from being a partner but is still a strong supporter of the cookie business.
Today, Glorie Cookies employs two bakers, Eryn Byers, the daughter of Kathie Byers, and Megan Sherwood. We also partner with MEDP (McMinnville Economic Development Partnership) to employ a youth intern for the Career Bound program.
The mission behind Glorie Cookies is simple but profound -- to create "The Best Cookie You Will Ever Taste." Glorie Cookies is dedicated to delivering high-quality, delicious cookies made from clean and locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in the delectable world of Glorie Cookies where every bite is an experience that transcends the ordinary.