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Zachary Schmahl

Schmackary's

Chief Executive Officer

Zachary Schmahl moved from Nebraska to New York City in 2008 with dreams of making it on Broadway. And in starting Schmackary’s, he did just that. With Zach at the helm, the bakery’s been serving up cookies (and serious personality) for over a decade.

He grew up baking with his mom, experimenting with bold and nostalgic flavors that later became the heart of his business. While working at a marketing firm, the idea for Schmackary’s struck, and what subsequently started as a side hustle in his 400-square-foot apartment quickly gained traction. Within a year, he opened Schmackary’s in Hell’s Kitchen — and it became an instant hit.

Long before the gourmet cookie boom, Schmackary’s was redefining the genre. With over 100 rotating flavors and a fearless approach to creativity, the bakery challenged expectations of what a cookie could be with flavors like Peanut Butter Banana Crunch, Caramel Apple Crisp, and Cereal Killer. Today, it’s a national brand with multiple locations, a booming franchise model, and a loyal fanbase that spans generations. 

As Founder and CEO, Zachary’s vision has always been clear: to create joy and connection through something schweet. Under his leadership, Schmackary’s has grown into more than a bakery: it’s a vibrant community hub where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re picking up a post-show snack or sharing a dozen across the country.