Abilene Coastal Cookies bakes its final batch after 45 years in business
ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – For many people living in Abilene, visiting Coastal Cookies at the Mall of Abilene might bring up some childhood memories. Owner Susan Lindsey shares the lease for Coastal Cookies was signed in November of 1978. The business was one of the original and longest tenants at the mall.
The company announced its closure earlier this month. In a statement posted on their storefront, a letter read, "Mall Ownership has replaced Coastal Cookies with another bakery-type store. Our last day in operation will be Saturday, September 28th, 2024."
KTAB/KRBC reached out to the Mall of Abilene's General Manager, Steven Niles. He declined to send KTAB/KRBC an official statement via email over the phone. He shared that Coastal Cookies has been a good tenant, but they see this as an opportunity to enhance the mall's offerings.
Lindsey shares that although it is heartbreaking, she enjoyed the company's time at the mall and the memories made over the last few decades. She was overwhelmed by the support from the Abilene community and beyond and joined them to celebrate their final day.
"We're a mom-and-pop, and our cookies are unique because we make the dough fresh every day; they are like cookies you make at home. It's wonderful to see the kindness and generosity everyone has shown us today on our last day," explained Lindsey.
Coastal Cookies also has employees who have been with the company for years. Lindsey shares that Betty Garcia has been with them for about 20 years. Her niece Laurissa is getting married on September 28th and will have her last coastal cookie at the reception.
"She placed her order before we found we were leaving, so now it makes it even more special. It's just story after story like that that's so humbling to hear," added Lindsey.
Employees were busy baking as many cookies as possible as Lindsey said they received multiple customers from Abilene, San Angelo, Dallas, and surrounding areas. People in line to purchase cookies before they are even removed from the pan. Many sharing a personal story about Coastal Cookies from first dates – family traditions – and more. Lindsay shares although it's a shocking and heartbreaking thing you never know where Coastal Cookies might pop up next.
"A real blessing, when you're dealt with something like this, and this really was a shock, you can choose. You have a choice to make: You can be angry and sad, or you can be thankful and grateful. We chose to be thankful and grateful because when you have a community like this that supports mom-and-pops like us all these years, we want to say thank you, and I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart. We are so grateful to everyone," said Lindsey.
