Mrs. Fields

Bakery · Valley Fair

1

@eater

Mrs. Fields and the Bittersweet Smell of Success | Eater

"Founded in 1977 by Debbi Fields in Palo Alto, this cookie shop grew from a single storefront into a mall-dominant cookie chain by trading on the irresistible appeal of hot, straight-from-the-oven chocolate chip rounds that were notably soft and thick (a contrast to the crumbly, crunchy character of store-bought brands like Chips Ahoy! and the crispness championed by David’s Cookies). In its early years the company even donated cookies older than two hours rather than sell them, and aggressive sampling helped spur rapid expansion through the 1980s and into franchising in 1990, with hundreds of locations across the U.S. and abroad and a multimillion-dollar sale that followed. The founder’s wholesome working-mom persona and media presence — including a PBS baking segment that inspired future bakers — were central to the brand’s marketing and cultural appeal, even as contemporaneous coverage often spotlighted her husband’s financial role and questioned how much credit she deserved. Today the business’s name still appears on nationwide tins while the founder, who remains active online as a home baker, is no longer the public-facing corporate force she once was; the chain’s legacy lives on largely as a symbol of 1980s mall culture and a particular nostalgic ideal of home-baked comfort in America." - Bettina Makalintal

https://www.eater.com/23599456/mrs-fields-cookies-business-profile-history-feminism

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Get directions

mrsfields.com

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Sauced BBQ & Spirits

Barbecue restaurant · Santana Row

BBQ classics, Southern sides, rustic decor & full bar

2 Postcards

Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI)

Non-profit organization · Kelley Park

Hands-on glass arts classes: blowing, fusing, coldworking

1 Postcard

Mi Rinconcito Oaxaqueño inc.

Oaxacan restaurant · Buena Vista

Oaxacan eats like tlayudas, tacos, and memelitas served

3 Postcards

Chayakada

Cafe · Rancho Santa Teresa

Kerala baked goods, chai, and comforting home-style food.

2 Postcards

55 South

Cocktail bar · Post

Innovative cocktails, craft beer, live music & Western vibe

2 Postcards

Olla Cocina

Mexican restaurant · San Pedro Square

Modern Mexican entrees, shared plates, and cocktails served lively

1 Postcard

Mark's Hot Dogs

Hot dog restaurant · Florence-Nancy

Classic hot dogs, shakes, and carhop service in a retro orange stand

3 Postcards

Flaming Ox

Taiwanese restaurant · Fox-Ridder Park

Authentic Taiwanese beef noodle soup, rice bowls, popcorn chicken

1 Postcard

City Lights Theater Company of San Jose

Performing arts theater · SoFA

Intimate venue with high-quality productions and superb actors

1 Postcard

MINIBOSS

Bar · Historic District

Retro arcade bar with vintage games, American bar food & cocktails

2 Postcards