Crumbl Cookies
by Laura Breen Galante
Everyone loves indulging in a giant gourmet Crumbl cookie, served warm in various decadent flavors and packaged in its signature pink box. But it’s the people that truly make the Lake Mary Crumbl location so special.
Erin and Mark Schefer were the first Crumbl franchise partners in Florida, bringing this unique, fast-growing cookie sensation to the Sunshine State when everyone was saying, “What’s Crumbl?” They now own two other Crumbl stores in DeLand and Daytona Beach.
The Schefers – in partnership with Mark’s brother John and his wife Jen – opened the Lake Mary store in June of 2020, just days after Erin gave birth to her youngest child, and during the height of the pandemic.
“On our grand opening day, we offered everyone a free chocolate chip cookie, so the line wrapped around the plaza for the entire weekend. Of course, they all stood six feet apart!” she laughs.
With the shop designed to offer curbside service, it was a perfect fit for the pandemic. And let’s be honest – by June 2020, everyone needed a cookie!
The couple has eight children, and their second-oldest, Noah, helped open the Lake Mary store and has worked in DeLand. He’s super handy and able to fix most anything. You’ll also find their daughter Natalie at any of the stores whenever the family needs help.
“I call her my ‘in-the-clutch girl,’” says Erin. “If things go awry, she’ll run in and cover a shift for us.”
Their son, Luke, who was about seven years old when the Lake Mary location opened, basically handled advertising.
“He was so excited,” recalls Erin. “He told everyone about Crumbl!”
The face of the bakery, however, is none other than employee Michael Wozniak.
“He has a genuine love for the store, brand, and customers,” says Erin. “He brings so much light and happiness to our bakery.”
Michael also happens to have Down syndrome. He works hard to perfect tasks that present more of a challenge, and his charming personality wins over nearly every guest.
“I have a phrase, ‘aces in their places,’” explains Erin. “We want people to shine in the place where they are.”
Michael often receives compliments for his work ethic and friendly demeanor. Many customers visit Lake Mary Crumbl specifically to see him behind the counter.
The Schefers also have a few other employees with special needs, including some who are on the autism spectrum.
“I don’t expect every person to master every aspect of our bakery, but everybody is good at something,” says Erin.
She feels that one of the best things about owning a business is trying to create an environment where she would want her own kids – all eight of them – to work.
So be sure to stop in soon to Crumbl in Lake Mary for a yummy cookie, prepared and presented by dedicated, welcoming employees.