YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — One Hot Cookie has stores in Youngstown and Boardman. But after shutting down for a short period, the Boardman site is once again making cookies.
The bakery specializes in desserts and caters birthday parties. The duo also opened Oh Donut Company last year.
The mother-daughter team of Bergen Giordani and Morgen Giordani Chretien founded the company and last year also opened OH Donut Company adjacent to the Boardman store.
The addition of online orders helped both businesses survive the pandemic, they say.
Chretien and Giordani say theconnection between a company and its community is essential for small businesses.
“It’s so important, the support from the community,” Chretien says. “We try to give back as much as we can. And when you support local, you’re supporting your community.”
One Hot Cookie and OH Donut work with community groups such as the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
Since the state implemented the stay-at-home order, the businesses have donated more than 3,600 cookies to Mercy Health employees in Boardman and Youngstown. As part of its Donate a Dozen program, for each customer who gave a dozen cookies, One Hot Cookie matched it.
“It’s great that we’ve been there to facilitate joy,” Giordani says.
OH Donut Co. is also running Donate a Dozen for local grocery employees. Those interested can donate on the company’s website.
“We love to give back,” Giordani says. “It’s in our nature.”
Pictured: Morgen Giordani Chretien and Bergen Giordani are the owners of One Hot Cookie and OH Donut Co.