SPAANS’ COOKIES IMPORTANT PART OF GALT’S HISTORY SINCE 1958
By Megan Maxey
Spaans’ Cookie company has been a Galt institution since 1958.
The company’s store located on provides a pleasant, small-town customer experience.
In addition to the variety of cookies, patrons can also find different flavors of pie, tea, jams and gifts.
“Our retail store is something special. We offer a huge selection of tea, of gift items … a lot of things you can’t find anywhere else here in Galt,” said Rick Spaans, a co-owner of Spaans.’
It all started in Holland 1896 where Peter Spaans became an apprentice baker. After moving to the United States and attempting to be a farmer, Spaans opened his first bakery in Muir, Michigan.
Two of his sons, William and Peter, later carried on the tradition and became partners in the Spaans Brothers Baking Company.
“It was while [Peter Spaans] was in Holland where he learned how to bake,” added Rick Spaans.
Today, Jim Spaans, son of William Spaans, his wife and children are all co-owners of Spaans Cookie Company.
“In a family business … it’s not a real glamorous life although you get a lot of satisfaction because it is your business and … my grandfather started in 1896 … we’re holding that tradition,” said owner Jim Spaans.
Spaans’ has been an important part of Galt’s culture for over half a century.
Spaans’ innovative cookies and variety of products are not the only thing that has kept them in business all of these years.
Street View
The brick clock tower showcases an image of the company's founder Peter Spaans.
Water Tower
Spaans' Cookies has been a Galt institution since 1958.
Street View
The store is located at the intersection of Fifth and C street. The plant is only one block away on Fourth street.
Street View
The brick clock tower showcases an image of the company's founder Peter Spaans.
Endless Cookies
Spaans' categorizes their cookies into "Sugar free" and "Loaded with sugar."
Endless Cookies
Spaans' offers a wide variety of delicious cookies.
Endless Cookies
Spaans' offers a wide variety of delicious cookies.
Endless Cookies
Spaans' offers a wide variety of delicious cookies.
Endless Cookies
The different options of cookies for sale can be found all over the store.
Endless Cookies
Spaans' categorizes their cookies into "Sugar free" and "Loaded with sugar."
Endless Cookies
Spaans' categorizes their cookies into "Sugar free" and "Loaded with sugar."
Endless Cookies
The different options of cookies for sale can be found all over the store.
Hometown Feel
In one section of the store has tables and a coffee make for the customers' relaxation and convenience.
Inside the store
Here you can see the seating area as well as some of the many towers of cookies Spaans' has.
Pies filled with love
People stand in line for hours to get a Spaans' pie for Thanksgiving.
Brittney's Brownies
Brittney, the daughter of one of Spaans' owners, has a brownie named after her.
Enjoy a cup of joe
There is a fresh coffee station for customers.
Spaans' meringues
A unique product of Spaans are their different flavored meringue pops.
Spaans' Meringues
A unique product of Spaans are their different flavored meringue pops.
Tea anyone?
Spaans' sells a variety of teas.
Tea anyone?
Spaans' sells a variety of teas.
Tea anyone?
Spaans' sells a variety of teas.
Spaans' preserves
Spaans' offers preserves in addition to its jams and jellies.
Spaans' Jelly
Pick up some of the unique jelly flavors Spaans' sells next time you visit.
History behind the cookie
Spaans' has a long and rich background. Very invested in their Holland culture, the owners make sure it is represented throughout the store.
History behind the cookie
Spaans' has a long and rich background. Very invested in their Holland culture, the owners make sure it is represented throughout the store.
History behind the cookie
Spaans' has a long and rich background. Very invested in their Holland culture, the owners make sure it is represented throughout the store.
History behind the cookie
Ask any employee to tell you "the story of the cookie sheet."
Retail Merchandise
Spaans not only sells goodies, but gifts as well.
Retail Merchandise
Spaans not only sells goodies, but gifts as well.
Retail Merchandise
Spaans not only sells goodies, but gifts as well.
A PLACE TO FEEL AT HOME
“With the store … we really want to create a great customer experience when people come in. It’s rare that you walk into a store and you’re greeted … and you actually have someone that knows your name,” said Rick Spaans.
When walking into the store on C Street, customers feel at home.
The walls are covered with large vintage photos of members of the Spaans family. On various shelves you can find figurines and souvenirs that celebrate the dutch ancestors of the Spaans family.
“Spaans’ … gives you that hometown feel. Galt’s such a small town anyways. It’s always been run by the same people,” said Laura Chadwell, a Spaans’ customer.
It’s a Spaans’ tradition to always have samples out for customers and local children.
Also, there are tables next to a coffee station in the store for customers to relax, converse and eat purchased goodies.
In the back of the store, there’s a place for children to play and be entertained. The “Kids’ Corner” has a seating area, children’s books and toys.
Everything at Spaans’ is made in Galt. The factory is about a block away from the store.
Something people from Galt have always noted about Spaans is the smell of freshly made cookies you experience when passing by.
“[The fudge brownie cookie] is one of the ones that a lot of people note that when they come in they can smell,” said Rick Spaans.
Spaans’ Cookies is something unique to Galt.
As a huge part of Galt’s history, the store brings people back to a simpler time.
“Spaans … means tradition. It means we’re all going to be together,” added Chadwell.
Children have their own corner filled with toys, kids' books, and a seating area.
