New Cookie Shop Opening In Downtown Joliet

JOLIET, IL - Downtown Joliet's continued resurgence has spurred another entrepreneur to open a new business. Nick Morris, a Joliet resident, is opening the DeWitt's Gourmet cookie shop at 20 East Cass Street. It's easy to find. It's across the street from a downtown institution, Andy's Shoe Repair. Last week, Joliet Patch caught up with Morris to learn about his plans for his soon-to-be-opening storefront.

He's aiming to open the new cookie shop around the end of July or early August. "It's about a month off," he said.

Morris, a 1997 graduate of Joliet West High School, is a friendly face who hopes to bring another new dimension to downtown.

"I don't know too many people who don't like cookies," he smiled.

That's not all.

"We'll have homemade ice cream," he said.

And, that's not all.

Morris also plans to sell fried cookie dough and custom cookie cakes for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, Bar Mitzvahs and anything else.

DeWitt's Gourmet plans to feature a cookie of the month. Customers will also be able to order cookie shakes.

"We'll sell cups of milk if you want to dunk your cookies as well," he added. "Our signature will be the chocolate chip cookies. I use quality ingredients."

Morris likes that his storefront is near The Forge and The Rialto Square Theatre as well as Harrah's Casino and the Will County Courthouse.

"I definitely want to take advantage of the downtown work scene," he told Joliet Patch. "This is my first retail location."

Why did Morris go with 20 East Cass Street?

"This space was open, and the rent was manageable for me," he explained. "It's a nice location to be, especially with all this economic development. A lot of good stuff is coming ... I feel this is a good time to be here in downtown Joliet."

About three years ago, Morris started DeWitt's Gourmet baked cookies, he said. He has sold his homemade cookies at several Joliet and Lockport area community events and festivals.

"Stay on the lookout for Dee and Silver Spoon," Morris said. "They are the mascots for DeWitt's Gourmet, and I will probably be in the costume as well."

Main image via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor, bottom two images courtesy of Nick Morris