From Local Passion to 15+ Locations: A Year of Growth for Out The Dough

It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, my mom and I were navigating the daily challenges of a very small business, fueled by nothing but a shared passion for making inclusive, nostalgic treats. As the Co-Founders of Out The Dough, Jill and I set out with a simple goal: to create a family legacy through cookie dough that everyone—regardless of dietary restrictions—could safely enjoy.

Today, I’m sitting down to write this because I am incredibly proud to share that Out The Dough is now available in over 15 grocery stores and retail locations across the region & throughout the country!

The Retail Leap

Transitioning from a direct-to-consumer model into the world of grocery retail was a major milestone for us. We knew the demand for high-quality, plant-based, and gluten-free-friendly options was skyrocketing, but seeing our Cookie Creme Pies and safe-to-eat Dough on shelves next to national brands was a "pinch-me" moment (yes, we're next to companies like Nestle and Sweet Lorens and it's crazy to see).

Scaling to 15+ locations wasn't just about getting into more stores; it was about proving that a mother-son team could build the digital and logistical infrastructure—moving from manual spreadsheets to a more optimized operation—to meet the needs of retail partners.

Beyond the Grocery Aisle: Local Coffee Shops

While grocery stores have been a huge focus, our hearts are still very much with the local community. Over the past year, we’ve also launched in several surrounding coffee shops. There is something special about seeing someone grab an Out The Dough Cookie Creme Pie to pair with their morning latte at Gratitude Coffee Bar in Concord or Tellus Coffee in Walnut Creek. These partnerships with local baristas and café owners have allowed us to reach people in their daily routines, making inclusive indulgence more accessible than ever.

Why We Do It

Whether it’s our wholesale pitch to places like BerkeleyBowl or a new shelf placement in a local market like Diablo Foods, our mission remains the same: Inclusivity and Innovation. By using heat-treated flour and 100% vegan ingredients, we’ve removed the "risk" from the nostalgia. We want every person who picks up one of our treats to feel the same joy we felt in our kitchen when we first perfected the recipe.

What’s Next?

As we look toward the future—and navigate the busy holiday seasons and new distributor launches—we are more committed than ever to bringing Out The Dough to even more locations. We aren't just a "cute small business" anymore; we are a scalable brand ready to take a bite out of the national market.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Every time you buy a cookie creme pie or bag of Cookie Dough Bitz™ at your local grocery store or even mention us to a café owner, you are helping this family business grow.

Stay sweet,

Angelo Lonardo Co-Founder & CEO, Out The Dough