ETSU students, along with the Johnson City community, welcomed Insomnia Cookies during its grand opening over the weekend.

Insomnia Cookies’ grand opening took place Saturday from 12-3 p.m. on W. State of Franklin Road. The sidewalk was filled with eager customers as employees prepared to welcome them. Although the store opened at noon, customers began lining up at around 8:30 a.m. 

“The turnout has been really good. We had people lined up at 8:30 this morning, we didn’t start till 11. The first three hours we’ve had a line this whole time,” Michael Higgins, general manager, said.

In celebration of the grand opening, customers were able to receive one free classic cookie, no purchase required, or one free classic cookie with their delivery order. The first 50 people in line at noon received a box of six assorted classic cookies.

Photo of Insomnia Cookies worker assisting a customer. (Nikki Chambers/East Tennessean)

The opening drew in a large crowd many of which were ETSU students who had been anticipating the opening. Students came down before and during the football game on Saturday to try out the new store. 

“We’ve had a good mix of community, people from everywhere, but definitely a big turnout from ETSU. Students have been great, they’ve come in every day,” Higgins said.

Higgins said the response from the community in general has been overwhelming and he is so excited for everyone to enjoy the new location. He said he has seen ETSU fraternities, members of the soccer team and football players all come in and offer to hand out fliers or show their support. 

“It’s something that Johnson City doesn’t have yet, I think it needs something like this. We are really trying to shake it up and do different things,” Higgins said. 

Insomnia Cookies is open from 11-3 a.m. through most of the week and offers delivery all day. They have a wide menu which is constantly being added to. To get a taste, visit the store at 1735 W. State of Franklin Road or order online at insomniacookies.com. 

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