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Entrepreneurship Month Elk Grove Spotlight:
The Cookie Jar, Lindsey and Jesse Arndt
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November is National Entrepreneurship Month and an excellent opportunity to celebrate the hard-working entrepreneurs who serve a crucial role in driving economic growth and prosperity in Elk Grove. In recognition of the unwavering commitment and tenacity of our local business owners, the City of Elk Grove is proud to spotlight five success stories this month. The goal is to not only commemorate the accomplishments of these entrepreneurs but also to ignite the aspirations of future dreamers and prospective business leaders, encouraging them to embark on similar paths to success. This week we are thrilled to showcase Lindsey and Jesse Arndt, the remarkable mother-son duo behind The Cookie Jar on Bruceville Road. | | |
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Lindsey and Jesse Arndt share a special bond, cut from the same dough. Both mother and son entered the world in the same hospital, are long time Elk Grove residents, spent much of their prior careers in real estate, and… LOVE cookies. | |
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Lindsey and Jesse have been Elk Grove residents for 43 years “when there were 10,000 people and just one stoplight,” Lindsey reminisces. During the 2008 Great Recession, Lindsey found her mortgage business slowing down, but had found solace and purpose in her love of baking. She dreamt of one day owning her own bakery, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Instead, she decided to supplement her mortgage business by applying to work for her neighborhood bakery, The Cookie Jar. Lindsey worked at The Cookie Jar under its previous owner as a baker for 14 years before she ultimately bought the business. Four of those years were alongside her son, Jesse, who had taken a break from his real estate career to be a stay-at-home dad and part time baker at The Cookie Jar.
Lindsey witnessed the company’s longevity firsthand and the camaraderie she experienced working alongside family was icing on the cookie. She is proud to say she bought The Cookie Jar when she was 70 years old and has been running the bakery alongside her son, Jesse, for nearly three years. Her journey stands as a testament that it’s never too late to make a career change or pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
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Lindsey and Jesse credit The Cookie Jar’s success to the quality and variety of their treats. When Lindsey bought The Cookie Jar, she purchased the tried-and-true cookie recipes that have satisfied sweet tooths for decades and, while other cookie shops supply their customers with pre-packaged cookie orders, The Cookie Jar embraces a commitment to choice. “We offer 20 different types of cookies, baked fresh every day, and every day we have specialty cookies. Customers pick exactly what they want.” Their dedication to exceptional taste and personalized choice has proven to be a winning recipe, earning The Cookie Jar the title of “2023 Best Bakery” in Elk Grove's 5th Annual Best of Business Competition.
Looking ahead, Lindsey and Jesse envision expanding with another location on the other side of Highway 99 near Elk Grove High School. Jesse shares, “We’d like to open another spot—a storefront with no additional kitchen—just selling cookies.” While Lindsey and Jesse are still searching for the ideal second location, one thing is certain: The Cookie Jar will remain a family affair. “When mom retires, I’ll take on the business, and when I retire, whenever that may be, I’ll pass it on to my kids. We’re keeping it in the family.”
What captures the holiday spirit more than cookies and family? At The Cookie Jar, you'll find both. Lindsey and Jesse are ready to supply you and your family with all your favorite holiday treats, including their famous frosted sugar cookies… all while finishing each other’s sentences. The City of Elk Grove is proud to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit embodied by the owners of The Cookie Jar during National Entrepreneurship Month. Lindsey and Jesse Arndt’s story exemplifies that entrepreneurship knows no age, and dreams can be realized with passion, consistency, and a dash of sugar.
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Support Local Entrepreneurship | Did you know that two-thirds of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the community? Support Elk Grove businesses by keeping your shopping, dining, and spending local. Use the Elk Grove Local eGift Card at over 70+ participating locations in the city. There is truly something for everyone! | | |
About the City of Elk Grove | Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 178,000 people located in the dynamic and affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 5th largest economy in the world. Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. With its highly educated workforce, modern facilities and infrastructure, and pro-business attitude, it's clear why major corporations and institutions such as Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, UC Davis, AllData, and Kubota call Elk Grove home. Our dedicated staff of economic development professionals are ready to help you plan, finance, and fast-track your next business expansion or relocation project. Contact us today. |
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City of Elk Grove
Office of Economic Development
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 627-3338
TTY 888-435-6092
Relay Service 711
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