From a bike around Toronto: Craig’s Cookies

Craig Pike never set out to build a cookie empire - he just wanted to bake. With a background in acting and a tiny oven that could barely hold a tray, he started out selling cookies in paper bags and delivering them by bike around Toronto. One delivery to the Danforth even landed him on the cover of a magazine.But behind the sweet success were long nights, 3 a.m. baking sessions, eight-minute naps between cookie rotations, and a leap of faith that saw him hand over everything he had to open his first storefront. Along the way, Craig gave visibility to the queer community, turned pop-ups into permanent shops, and built one of Toronto’s most beloved brands - while still joking about the existential crisis of what makes a cookie… a cookie.In this conversation, Craig shares his journey from theatre to cookies, how he learned the difference between being a boss and a leader, and why the heart of his business will always be about more than sugar. It’s about identity, community, and joy.Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTokFollow Sam Jen on Instagram