New Comfort Cooki shop opens in Millbrook, brings fresh treats

Comfort Cooki opened its doors in Millbrook with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 9, 2025, marking the arrival of a new family owned retail food business in Autauga County. Neighbors, chamber members and community supporters gathered for sample tastings and to welcome owner Hayden Mears and his father Michael Mears as they launched operations. The opening emphasizes small business momentum in town and adds a new option for residents seeking locally made baked goods.

The shop debuted with a menu featuring 16 cookie flavors, and the owners laid out plans to broaden offerings to include cinnamon rolls, brownies and coffee. Comfort Cooki also carries Milky Moo ice cream and has indicated it will collaborate with customers on custom cookie ideas, a move aimed at serving celebrations and local events. The initial event included tastings that showcased the product range and highlighted potential for repeat retail and catering orders.

For Millbrook the new business has several immediate local impacts. A specialty bakery can increase pedestrian traffic for nearby storefronts, extend morning and afternoon business hours with planned coffee and breakfast items, and provide part time and full time positions for residents. Family owned food businesses also tend to keep a larger share of revenue circulating locally because they source services and supplies within the region when possible. The chamber sponsored ribbon cutting underscores local economic development efforts to nurture small enterprises that diversify the retail mix.

Looking ahead, Comfort Cooki’s strategy to expand menu items and offer custom treats positions the shop to capture both daily convenience purchases and event related demand. That combination can stabilize revenue through seasonal swings and create stronger ties to community institutions such as schools and civic groups. As Comfort Cooki settles in, its success will be an indicator of Millbrook’s ability to support new locally owned food businesses and sustain neighborhood retail vitality.