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New York City-based gourmet cookie chain Chip City Cookies is adding a fourth shop in New Jersey.

The brand expects to open soon, after signing a lease for an 800-square-foot space at Marlton Commons in Marlton. The Route 73 shopping center’s landlord and leasing agent, Urban Edge Properties, announced the tenant.

Childhood friends Peter Phillips and Teddy Galias founded Chip City in Astoria, Queens, seven years ago. The shop serves up thick, fresh-baked core cookies, such as chocolate chip and cookies & cream. It also offers a rotating menu of specialty flavors, like s’mores, blueberry cheesecake, funfetti, cannoli and lemon berry. It also offers seasonal drinks, hot coffee and espresso.

The brand has since grown to nearly 50 locations. Within New Jersey, it has outposts in Montclair, Hoboken and Ridgewood.

As of May 2024, Chip City has raised $17.5 million in Series B funding from Enlightened Hospitality Investments. EHI is the growth equity fund associated with restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Chip City says it’s using the money for continued growth of its retail footprint, team and operations, as well as development of brand-building initiatives.

Besides providing Chip City with capital, EHI offers expertise in fast-casual retail operations, giving strategic and operational guidance in partnership with USHG. That group also operates popular restaurants like Shack Shake, Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern.

A sweet move

At Marlton Commons, Chip City joins a tenant mix that includes ShopRite, Cava, First Watch, honeygrow, Kohl’s, Mattress Firm, PetSmart and Shake Shack.

Urban Edge Director of Leasing Ronnie Bertrand commented, “With the addition of Chip City Cookies, Marlton Commons is now 100% leased. We’re very pleased to bring the NYC-native concept to the center, further enhancing the existing strong lineup of restaurant and food tenants here in Marlton.”

Chip City CEO Phillips added, “We couldn’t be more excited to join the Marlton Commons community. There’s something really special about bringing our cookies to a new neighborhood, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying us for the first time, we’re here to make your day a little sweeter.”

The announcement comes as Phillips celebrates the New Jersey debut of another concept he developed.

Somedays Bakery celebrated its grand opening in Montclair June 27. The banner is becoming known locally for premium croissants, soft-serve ice cream and La Colombe coffee. The store marks the second franchised site for the two-year-old brand.