Bakr Partners with Meijer for Mid-West Expansion

BAKR, a next-generation ready-to-bake cookie dough brand, is expanding their footprint in their first national launch with Meijer. After just one year, the buzzy, new start-up, led by founder, Alexa Ryan, continues to build upon their growing presence in the Mid-West securing placement for three SKUs in all of the retailer’s stores.

Alexa, a Grand Rapids native, spoke about her experience launching in her hometown, where Meijer is headquartered, saying: “It was a dream come true to partner with Meijer! Growing up in Grand Rapids, Meijer was my grocery store growing up, so it is amazing to see my product on the shelves I have always shopped.”

Alexa and her husband, Kyle Ryan went all out for the occasion, having a ceremonial ribbon cutting and full-blown party in the frozen aisle of her childhood store in Gaines Township. Friends, family, and new BAKR fans alike all circled around the sampling table to try the new flavors. “The idea of having a celebration in the grocery store is not something you see every day, but Meijer was supportive from the start and shoppers loved trying a new cookie dough!” the founder went on to say.

Grocery store party, huh? Seems like a good time “It was really fun, one of my favorite memories of running my brand to date!” Ryan said. The intrigue of crowds forming at a grocery store was enough for passer byers to stop and ask questions. “Sampling is a core part of building a food brand, customers are always excited to try our cookies, but the crowds drew even more people try us out!”

After the fact, Alexa caught up with a few new customers on their social media and direct messages “We had so many people reach out to us and post about our cookie dough, which was very exciting. Shoppers loved our real ingredients and are looking for a better ready-to-bake option.”

In total, BAKR has expanded into over 400 retail locations across the Mid-West just one year after launching. After growing to 5 flavors and winning multiple awards for their cookie dough, they are quickly becoming a household name and a go-to for convenient, gourmet baking at home.

When asked about their success and how BAKR resonated with today’s consumer, Alexa shared “I realized that the cookie dough segment needed to be shaken up - they are all made with seed oils, preservatives, and flavorings rather than real ingredients.” Ryan commented “People still want indulgence, just made better! We take great pride in the ingredients we source and the flavors we are bringing to the market!”

BAKR cookie dough currently retails at $9.99 in Meijer, where you can find their Gooey Butter Cake, Double Fudge Brownie, and Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk.

Their other flavors, including S’mores and Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle may pop in and out as they grow! “We cannot wait to continue to grow with Meijer, the whole team is so supportive and collaborative. It has been an honor to partner together!”