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Mahwah, NJ

Expanding a home-based dessert business into a full-service bakery and retail storefront.

• Founder-led business: Built by a culinary-trained baker with a background in pastry and food media.
• Phased growth plan: Expansion includes kitchen buildout, storefront launch, and community-focused events.
• Creative product line: Known for nostalgic, bold treats like giant cookies and dirty sodas.
• Local momentum: Strong community ties through catering, wholesale, and social engagement.
• Retail-ready brand: Investing in packaging, equipment, and retail space to scale operations.

Half Baked is raising funds to complete the buildout of its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Mahwah, New Jersey. Founded by culinary professional Chrissy Carlino, the dessert business is known for its indulgent treats like Chonkers cookies, cupcakes, and playful items like dirty sodas and soft-serve. What began as a home-based operation has grown through online sales, local catering, and wholesale partnerships, with a loyal customer base drawn to its creative, nostalgic offerings. With deep roots in the community and an eye for bold flavor combinations, Half Baked aims to become a go-to destination for dessert lovers seeking both comfort and fun.

This funding supports Half Baked’s transition from a home kitchen to a full-scale retail operation. Proceeds will be used to renovate the new space to code, purchase professional kitchen equipment, and complete necessary refurbishments including paint and flooring. Custom packaging will also be ordered to support growing online and wholesale orders. The upgraded space will allow for expanded walk-in hours, community events, classes, and merchandise sales—creating multiple new revenue streams. With a commercial kitchen, dedicated storefront, and strong local following, Half Baked is positioned to grow into a sustainable business that delivers sweet moments to the Mahwah community and beyond.

Company Info

Half Baked is expanding its dessert business into a storefront to serve bold, nostalgic treats and grow its community presence.

Half Baked is a woman-owned dessert business in Mahwah, New Jersey, founded by pastry chef Chrissy Carlino. Specializing in bold, nostalgic treats like Chonkers cookies, cupcakes, and “dirty sodas,” the business operates through online sales, catering, and wholesale partnerships with local markets. With a culinary background rooted in family traditions and professional training, Chrissy has built a brand centered on indulgent desserts and community connection. Half Baked blends creative twists with classic techniques, offering American-style baked goods and no-bake treats that appeal to a wide audience.

The business is currently transitioning from a home-based operation to a brick-and-mortar storefront in a three-phase plan. Funds raised will support the buildout of a commercial kitchen, facility renovations, custom packaging, and front-of-house improvements. This expansion will increase production capacity, enhance the customer experience, and support new revenue streams such as branded merchandise and in-store events. Half Baked aims to become a staple in the local community by offering sweet treats for everyday enjoyment and special celebrations, positioning itself for long-term growth and scalability.