We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Abes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, what do you attribute your success to?
My families support. I could not be where I am today with 2 stores, a catering & wholesale company without the love and support of my entire family. They encouraged me when I wanted to take a risk in opening Atlanta’s first edible cookie dough shop, they help whenever I ask, and constantly are there to listen and scoop when needed. They motivate me to be a better business owner and are always willing to work a shift or change a light bulb I can’ t reach. My husband, being the experienced one in the restaurant business, is always available for advice and to problem solve. My father in law is fabulous at fixing anything needing repair and my mom even works a shift or runs deliveries. Of course, our 2 college age children are the best in every way- always picking up shifts when they are home, helping with catering, and talking up the business whenever they can. I couldn’t do any of this without their love and support! 

What should our readers know about your business?
After 25 years of being a speech language pathologist and a soon to be empty nester, I was ready for a change in career. After seeing the new trend in edible cookie dough on the horizon and being a long time cookie dough addict, I was ready to take a risk and pivot. Batter Cookie Dough Counter opened its first store in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market in November 2017. We are currently the city’s only edible cookie dough store and serve up 12 flavors daily of egg free deliciousness. Soon after the first store opened, we began our catering and wholesale division. I am such a people person that I saw just how much I enjoy training and working with a staff, coordinating catering events, and chatting with customers. It was easy at first being in a busy food hall, but as we ventured to open our second Batter location in February 2020 in Buckhead, we were soon in corona quarantine. That’s been a challenge in itself keeping ourself relevant and reminding customers we are here. Luckily, we were able to be creative, offering delivery and great safe ways to individually portion our scoops of dough. We also signed our first licensing agreement this summer to open a division in Columbus, Georgia which is really thriving. I love the way our brand has developed over time and has a look of its own. It’s amazing to look back and think of how far its all come in 3 years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well of course, Ponce City Market is a super fun place to shop and eat with all kinds of choices for foodies or picky eaters. A walk down the Beltline is also a great day stopping at Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall for some drinks along the way. Some of my other restaurant favorites in town include Tuk Tuk, Yebo and Aziza. We would also have to head north to Avalon which is a trendy outdoor shopping and great area that does not seem like you are even in Atlanta. Rumi’s and Biltong Bar are fabulous places to eat there. The Hotel at Avalon is such a fun staycation place. Ive also been discovering Downtown Alpharetta and its amazing boutiques and yummy restaurants such as Ceviche, Citizen Soul and Smoke Jack. Truck and Tap is also a fun bar with a different food truck outside every night for dinner. Halcyon is a little further north but what great shopping and some cute outdoor spaces and restaurants – my newest obsession is Cantina Taqueria’s bowls. To get out of the city, Id head north for some hiking up Yonah Mountain and some fun in the Cleveland/ Helen areas. The wineries such as Monteluce and Kaya are an unexpected bit of beauty in North Georgia.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shoutout to my amazing family who drives me to be a better business owner and mom. There would be no Batter without their love and addiction to cookie dough.

Website: www.battercookiedough.com
Instagram: @battercookiedough and @batterbuckhead
Twitter: @battercookiedo
Facebook: Batter Cookie Dough Counter / Batter Cookie Dough Buckhead

Image Credits
The head shot was by Sara Hanna, casual shots by Hayley Langholtz

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