Insomnia Cookies opens its doors on Main Street Manayunk

While a University of Pennsylvania freshman in 2003, Seth Berkowitz grew tired of the late-night food options, or lack thereof. Greasy fries or a slice of pizza weren’t exactly the pick-me-ups he needed to get through a long night of studying.

Rather than accept this ill-fate, Berkowitz took matters into his own hands: He began baking cookies right from his dorm and delivering them to friends and fellow students around the city.

That’s how Insomnia Cookies was born.

A local idea expands

Fast forward 10 years, and Insomnia Cookies is feeding hungry mouths at more than 40 locations — both food trucks and brick-and-mortar storefronts — in the Northeast and Midwest.

“We mainly focus on city and campus markets due to the volume of nightlife and need for late-night treats,” said Renee Sarnecky, Insomnia’s marketing director.

Just opened in Manayunk

When the opportunity arose for Insomnia to open a new location on Main Street in Manayunk, the brand jumped at the chance.

“A lot of the college areas have very limited late-night food options — mainly consisting of heavy, greasy food. That’s where we come in,” she said. “We offer some sweet options for all those late-night cravings. Perfect when you’re in the library studying or just hanging out with your friends. … The Manayunk crowd has been welcoming us to the neighborhood.”

Insomnia Cookies Manayunk officially opened its doors on Jan. 22, offering free cookies to all who stopped by.

With a selection of warm fresh cookies from traditional chocolate chunk to double-chocolate mint and s’mores, as well as brownies, ice cream and cookie cakes served until 3 a.m., the store has already been well received.

Bridget Kelley, a Drexel University student who works on Main Street, was already familiar with the brand, and happy to see its arrival.

“I work late hours and am often looking for a quick snack,” she said. “Insomnia Cookies are great; they’re always warm and soft, like they just came out of my grandmother’s oven.”