Hospitality Happenings

Smiley Cookie Named Coolest Thing Made in PA
National Recognition from Forbes
Caring About People and Creating Smiles
Annual Operations Leadership Retreat
We're a Most Loved Workplace in America
Celebrating 75 Summers of Smiles Together
Supporting Team Member Mental Wellbeing

 

Smiley Cookie Named the Coolest Thing Made in PA!
Recently named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Pennsylvania by the PA Chamber, our Smiley Cookie is a symbol of something we care deeply about across our company: creating smiles. We are so proud to receive this recognition because it represents the joy, care, and hospitality our team members bring to their jobs every day!
40 Years and Smiling 
The Smiley Cookie has been creating smiles far and wide since it was first introduced in 1986. This year marks 40 years of smiles, a milestone that makes this recognition even more meaningful.
More than a Cookie 
While it may start with icing and sugar, the Smiley Cookie represents something much bigger. At Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, our shared purpose is to create a smile. Whether we’re talking about icing on a cookie or extending warm hospitality, we know a smile can go a long way.
Humble Beginnings, Childhood Nostalgia  
The story of the Smiley Cookie begins with a simple childhood memory. Growing up in Titusville, Pennsylvania, our former chairman, Jim Broadhurst, used to stop at a local bakery on his way home from school. With spare change from his mom, he’d buy a smiling, happy‑faced cookie. This simple moment stuck with him. Years later, as the owner and operator of Eat’n Park Restaurants, Jim wanted to create that same feeling for guests.
With the support of the original baker, Jim and his team began baking Smiley Cookies in our restaurants and sharing them with guests. Forty years later, Eat’n Park remains family‑owned and operated by Jim’s three sons, and we now bake nearly 8 million Smiley Cookies every year.
Loved Near and Far 
The Smiley Cookie’s impact stretches well beyond Pennsylvania. Last year alone, about half a million Smiley Cookies were shipped to all 50 states through SmileyCookie.com.
We know people of all ages hold a deep affinity for the Smiley Cookie, and we don’t take that lightly. Being named among so many incredible things made in Pennsylvania is truly an honor. Check out the full bracket on the Chamber’s website here!
Thank You for Sharing a Smile 
To everyone who has enjoyed, gifted, shared, or grown up with a Smiley Cookie - thank you. It’s a privilege to serve our guests and be part of the fabric of the communities where we live and work. Keep on smiling! 

Smiley Cookie Named the Coolest Thing Made in PA!

 

Recently named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Pennsylvania by the PA Chamber, our Smiley Cookie is a symbol of something we care deeply about across our company: creating smiles. We are so proud to receive this recognition because it represents the joy, care, and hospitality our team members bring to their jobs every day!

40 Years and Smiling

The Smiley Cookie has been creating smiles far and wide since it was first introduced in 1986. This year marks 40 years of smiles, a milestone that makes this recognition even more meaningful.

More than a Cookie

While it may start with icing and sugar, the Smiley Cookie represents something much bigger. At Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, our shared purpose is to create a smile. Whether we’re talking about icing on a cookie or extending warm hospitality, we know a smile can go a long way.

Humble Beginnings, Childhood Nostalgia

The story of the Smiley Cookie begins with a simple childhood memory. Growing up in Titusville, Pennsylvania, our former chairman, Jim Broadhurst, used to stop at a local bakery on his way home from school. With spare change from his mom, he’d buy a smiling, happy‑faced cookie. This simple moment stuck with him. Years later, as the owner and operator of Eat’n Park Restaurants, Jim wanted to create that same feeling for guests.

With the support of the original baker, Jim and his team began baking Smiley Cookies in our restaurants and sharing them with guests. Forty years later, Eat’n Park remains family‑owned and operated by Jim’s three sons, and we now bake nearly 8 million Smiley Cookies every year.

Loved Near and Far

The Smiley Cookie’s impact stretches well beyond Pennsylvania. Last year alone, about half a million Smiley Cookies were shipped to all 50 states through SmileyCookie.com.

We know people of all ages hold a deep affinity for the Smiley Cookie, and we don’t take that lightly. Being named among so many incredible things made in Pennsylvania is truly an honor. Check out the full bracket on the Chamber’s website here!

Thank You for Sharing a Smile

To everyone who has enjoyed, gifted, shared, or grown up with a Smiley Cookie - thank you. It’s a privilege to serve our guests and be part of the fabric of the communities where we live and work. Keep on smiling!