From Fine Dining to Cookie Take a Bite: Tracy Mattson’s Sweet Path to Entrepreneurship

When a career-ending injury closed one door, pastry chef Tracy Mattson opened another—one that would eventually lead to the creation of Cookie Take a Bite, a boutique cookie brand beloved for its elevated flavors, thoughtful presentation, and deep local roots.

In the latest episode of The Perfect Rise, Tracy joins host Kimberly Houston to share how she turned a difficult setback into an opportunity to build a thriving bakery centered on resilience, creativity, and community.

From Pastry Chef to Entrepreneur

Before launching Cookie Take a Bite, Tracy built her career in fine dining pastry kitchens. But the long hours, physical toll, and an eventual foot surgery forced her to rethink her path. “You can’t feel sorry for yourself,” she recalls. “You make a new career.” That mindset became the spark for her cookie business, which began at local farmers markets and grew organically into a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Crafting Elevated Cookies for Every Occasion

From the start, Tracy wanted to offer something different. Rather than oversized sweets, her cookies are intentionally small—two to three inches—designed to be enjoyed without regret and celebrated for their balance of flavor. Each cookie carries its own personality, from zesty snickerdoodles with orange zest to bold creations like a tequila lime twist finished with vanilla salt.

Packaging, too, has played a key role in defining the brand. The bakery’s signature red gable box has become both a marketing tool and a community favorite, with a return-for-a-cookie program that keeps customers coming back.

Community, Creativity, and Values

Beyond cookies, Tracy emphasizes the importance of values in business. From sourcing local butter and eggs to mentoring high school students and partnering with the Department of Rehabilitation, Cookie Take a Bite has become a hub for both delicious treats and meaningful impact.

“Baking is about spreading joy,” Tracy shares. “We’re not just selling cookies—we’re creating an experience.”

Lessons for Aspiring Bakery Owners

For pastry chefs and culinary professionals dreaming of entrepreneurship, Tracy offers straightforward advice:

• Learn from others before starting your own business.

• Pay attention to the numbers—profit matters as much as passion.

• Plan for the worst, so you’re never too far over your skis.

• Listen to feedback, but trust your instincts and values.

Her journey underscores that success doesn’t always mean scaling big—it can also mean building strong local roots, supporting your community, and staying true to your vision.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Tracy’s story is a reminder that resilience and creativity can turn even the toughest setbacks into sweet new beginnings.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode of The Perfect Rise to hear more about Tracy’s journey, her flavor innovation process, and her advice for anyone considering the leap into bakery ownership.

👉 Listen to the episode here