Utica, NY – President of Mohawk Valley Garden Robert Esche, along with Andria Heath, Executive Director of the Utica Zoo, announced today that Kookie’s will partner with the Utica Zoo and open their third location at Polly’s, the zoo’s concession outfit. This will be Kookie’s third location, and second opening this month, along with Kookie’s at the Palm Springs mini golf course in Marcy.
Named Polly’s by Kookie’s, the new partnership will give patrons the opportunity to enjoy delicious Kookie’s food and ice cream from 11-4 daily at Polly’s from May 28 until Labor Day weekend. Kookie’s, known for its delicious, casual cuisine of burgers, hot dogs, buffalo chicken sandwiches, and French fries, will also offer kid’s staples like pretzels and popcorn. Patrons can also try Kookie’s famous Boss Burger, a staple in the Utica area and top seller at all three locations. Kookie’s will also serve hard ice cream, sundaes, and slushies, and plans to offer beer and wine by mid-summer.
“We are thrilled to expand the Kookie’s brand while partnering with one of our area’s most beloved assets – the Utica Zoo,” said Jeff Stone, President of ORB Food & Beverage. “Kookie’s has risen from a food brand that was unveiled during COVID to a sustainable model that we can continue to expand beyond the Mohawk Valley.”
The Utica Zoo is both a tourist destination from visitors throughout the US and as source of recreation and education for neighbors across the Greater Central NY region. Over 100,000 visitors enter zoo grounds annually and the availability of concessions is an expected amenity to be offered by the Utica Zoo which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Polly’s, the concession stand at the zoo, is named for the zoo’s much loved resident Moluccan Cockatoo, who is 80+ years old. He has called the Utica Zoo home for nearly 50 years.
“Over the last 10 years, the Utica Zoo has been on an upward trajectory with the addition and improvement of animal habitats and visitor experiences,” stated Andria Heath, Executive Director of the Utica Zoo. “This announcement that Mohawk Valley Garden will be Polly’s concessions partner at the Utica Zoo through Kookie’s is one more step in achieving the vision for the Utica Zoo to serve as a premiere tourist destination in Central NY. Two great partners…Mohawk Valley Garden and Utica Zoo.”
The Kookie’s brand, which originated as a concession stand at the Adirondack Bank Center in 2015, has seen recent expansion, adding two additional locations to its name in the past month. Named after a beloved 10-year volunteer at The AUD, Kookie’s looks to bring adults and children alike the joy of eating delicious food while enjoying the best amenities our area has to offer.
Polly’s by Kookie’s at the Utica Zoo will be open beginning this Saturday, May 28 until Labor Day daily from 11AM-4PM. Polly’s by Kookie’s will have limited fall hours until the end of October, and will also be open for special events throughout the year. Additionally, beginning on Friday, July 8 and running until the end of August, Polly’s by Kookie’s will stay open late every Friday night. For more hours and announcements, please visit www.kookiesq.com or like Kookie’s on Facebook.