Schmackary’s Expands to California with First West Coast Store

Renowned cookie bakery Schmackary’s has officially opened its first West Coast location in Hillcrest, San Diego, on February 28, 2026. Founded in 2012 in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen by former Broadway actor Zachary “Zach” Schmal, Schmackary’s has gained a devoted following, particularly among the Broadway community. The new franchise, owned by local resident Sharian Lott, will serve a rotating selection of the bakery’s signature 110 cookie flavors, including the popular “Funfetti.”

The 1,700-square-foot shop, located at 1255B University Avenue, will not only cater to cookie enthusiasts but will also function as the commissary kitchen for future Schmackary’s franchises throughout California and potentially in Oregon and Washington. This strategic expansion follows a surge in popularity for Schmackary’s, especially after its cookies were featured in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring Paul Rudd.

Lott’s journey to franchise ownership began when she received a call from her daughter, Broadway actor Loren Lott, in 2018. Loren described the incredible taste of a Schmackary’s cookie, prompting Sharian to try the treats herself. After falling in love with the cookies, Sharian decided to invest in the franchise.

The opening of the Hillcrest shop comes after 18 months of preparation, during which Lott and her team worked meticulously to ensure the cookies would match the original’s unique flavors and textures. Like its Manhattan counterpart, the Hillcrest location will operate daily from 10:00 to 23:00, offering twelve varieties of freshly baked cookies, alongside bar cookies, brownies, and breakfast pastries. To maintain freshness, the shop will bake in small batches throughout the day and rotate flavors bi-weekly.

In an interview, Schmal reflected on the serendipitous connection with Lott. “It was a kismet thing,” he shared, expressing confidence in her ability to manage the franchise. Lott is optimistic about her new venture, especially after witnessing encouraging foot traffic during a recent soft-opening.

After retiring from a 30-year career in education at the San Diego College of Continuing Education, Lott feels a sense of fulfillment in her new role as a business owner. The franchise was made possible through an inheritance from her late mother, Dorothy L.W. Smith, who significantly impacted the San Diego community during her tenure on the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education from 1981 to 1988.

As Lott embarks on this entrepreneurial journey, she aims to create job opportunities for local students, stating, “That feels like a true full-circle moment.” With a dedicated team of 16 employees, Lott is committed to fostering a positive environment while sharing the joy of Schmackary’s cookies with the West Coast.