By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A national franchise that specializes in super thick, soft and gooey stuffed cookies is preparing for its local debut.
Dirty Dough will open inside an expanded cafe space at Flow Supreme Air Sports, 5505 E. State St. Colby Campbell, the local franchisee for Dirty Dough, said the cookie shop will open as soon as it gets the go-ahead from local permitting agencies.
“We’re champing at the bit here to get open and start getting these cookies out to the community,” said Campbell, who also runs Flow.
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Dirty Dough has consistent flavors that stay on sale while two new flavors rotate in every week. Some of the mainstays are The Whole Caboodle, a Biscoff-filled snickerdoodle, and The Muscle, a fudge brownie cookie packed with 25 grams of protein, Reese’s peanut butter chips, nougat and topped with fudge and peanut butter drizzles.
Campbell said he loved the product as soon as he got his first taste, and he’s excited to introduce it to Rockford, where he has lived for the past four years.
“They’re the only three-layer cookie on the market,” he said. “Dirty Dough really stood out to me. It’s just an awesome cookie. Love the flavors, the toppings and the combinations.”
With Flow, he sees potential synergy for when the trampoline and adventure park hosts children’s birthday parties and other gatherings.
“We’ve got built-in customers,” Campbell said. “We’ve got people who are there and they’re going to smell the cookies.”
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Dirty Dough is one of two fast-growing cookie chains that plans to open in the city. Last month, coming soon signs were hung at 6150 E. State St. for Crumbl, a six-year-old company that amassed a big social media following thanks to its rotating flavors.
“We’re both a little bit different,” Campbell said. “It’s not like it’s an us or them mindset. It’s nice that Rockford is going to have some options for people.”
Dirty Dough also has an app that allows you to order for pickup or delivery.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas