Echos Closing

Echo’s Cookie Shop has been located in Waukee, Iowa, since 2007, and it saddens the community that the beloved shop has closed down.

Echo served in the military in the Air National Guard. Even after serving, she started her own business in Waukee, Iowa. She worked Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. She was always there when the shop was open, helping workers and making treats. 

Echo announced in a Facebook post, “I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported the cookie shop for all these years. I could not even begin to list the people who came into my life through cookies and cakes.” 

Even though Echo was sad to leave and close down, it was time to stop and spend more time with family. She was known by many citizens of Waukee and created many new relationships throughout her years of baking.

Echo’s Cookies has greatly impacted many people’s lives, whether it was just working with Echo or always coming to her for a quick treat. She was connected with many people, including Audrey Whalin, a sophomore at Waukee Northwest High School. 

“She’s kind of like an aunt to me; we’re really close,” exclaimed Whalin.

Just from this little connection, you can see what a huge impact Echo had on other people. 

But after 17 years, Echo thought it was time to retire. After being in the military, working hard to create her own business, and going through loads of stress, Echo can finally retire and relax. 

5 Boroughs Bagels is a chain coffee and bagel shop that has many locations around Iowa. 5 Boroughs Bagels is moving into the old Echo’s cookie shop building. 5 Boroughs hired a lot of students, especially minors at the age of 14. This could lead to many more opportunities for students in Waukee to understand the work experience. Not only was Echo connected to the community, but so will 5 Boroughs. The 5 Boroughs in Clive and Urbandale, Iowa, both hire students from around the area, similar to what Echo did. 

The business owners are 2 younger girls who started the business to grow the relationship together and have a good time. Although they had no idea what they were getting into, they wanted to try and have fun spending time together as friends.

On their website, it was stated that “They want nothing more than to create a comfortable space for people to visit and ‘escape’ for a delicious bagel and coffee.”

Having a calm and relaxing place to do things like study or just take a break would be a great addition for students in Waukee or any adults in need of coffee.