Al’s Cookie Mixx Promotes Employment for Adults With Autism

CHICAGO — Chef Alvin Green, known throughout the neighborhood for his personal and private chef business, is now in the cookie business. Al’s Cookie Mixx creates handmade, small batch, luxe gourmet cookies made with the finest ingredients, all while employing adults with special needs.

Green’s youngest son, Aiden, lives with autism, and he inspired Green’s idea of finding gainful employment for people with special needs. According to the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, in April 2021, the unemployment rate for adults with autism is approximately 85 percent.

“Like all parents of a special needs child, we wonder what will happen ‘when the bus stops coming’, which means what happens when our children age out of the educational system, usually around age 22,” he said. “So, as a family, we decided to combine my love of baking cookies with our love for Aiden and do our part … Our goal is to provide meaningful employment for our son and other special needs adults. I would like to thank the community for its current and future support of our mission to provide employment for adults with special needs.”

Al’s Cookie Mixx will be sharing space with two other chefs at the former KimmyKakes location, 10225 S. Western Ave., to make cookies. In spring, Al’s Cookie Mixx will start shipping nationally Monday through Wednesday, and local customers will have the opportunity to curate their own customized cookies and pick them up there. They will choose the cookie base of chocolate, vanilla, or oatmeal, and then add their favorite mix-ins.

Until then, the company offers their favorite cookies, including triple chocolate chip, chocolate chip with nuts, white chocolate cranberry, oatmeal raisin with nuts, and snicker doodles.
As Al’s Cookie Mixx takes off, his chef business will pause.

“Many people in the neighborhood know me for catering savory dishes, but cookies are my first love,” Green said. “I love how creative you can be within such a small space, plus I have a huge sweet tooth.”

Green describes himself as a science nerd, which translates well into the science of baking.
“Baking tends to be more precise and controlled. It allows me to use more of my left brain with a dash of creativity from my right brain,” he said. “Cooking allows me to be totally right brained, and my creativity really comes out in my savory dishes. For me, recipes are a guide to be influenced by one’s experiences, likes, and curiosities. I call my food ‘Global Fusion’ as I combine small bits from here and there to create truly American flavor profiles.”
Cookies would be a yummy Valentine’s treat. To place a cookie order, visit AlsCookieMixx.com.

~ Contributed by Kristin Boza, BAPA Staff Writer

This press release was produced by the Beverly Area Planning Association. The views expressed here are the author’s own.