The Yard on 3rd to bring The Cookie Shot to downtown Willoughby
Apr. 29—This year, at The Yard on 3rd in downtown Willoughby, patrons will be able to indulge in The Cookie Shot out of a chocolate chip cookie-shaped shot glass.
"We're known for giant solo cups with duckies floating on them," said operating partner Katie Uninski. "Doing a shot of alcohol out of a delicious cookie shot glass is perfectly on brand for The Yard."
The Yard, 38040 Third St., will kick off its third season on May 10 at 4 p.m. with the addition of The Shed — Cookies and Booze, which is in collaboration with Luna Bakery and Cafe out of Cleveland.
For two seasons, Geraci's Slice Shop had a micro-outpost in the east side outdoor bar at The Yard, but due to its popularity, Geraci's has since relocated to a full-service Geraci's Restaurant on Erie Street. As a result, The Shed — Cookies and Booze concept was born.
The inside space of what was once Geraci's has been reinvented to a design that is just like walking into a shed, said Jason Beudert, co-owner of The Yard.
"It's the perfect design fit for The Yard," he said. "If you have a yard, you have a shed."
The Shed will offer a limited spirits, beer and signature drink menu. In addition to The Cookie Shot, The Yard has partnered with Luna to create a selection of the award-winning bakery's sought after cookies. The large, 4-inch, premium cookies will be served warm inside The Shed.
"We feel that The Yard needed a dessert option to compliment the over 60 rotating food trucks throughout our season and what better dessert than warm cookies?" said Uninski.
Luna Bakery has developed a line of cookies for The Shed that are not served currently at any of its cafe locations.
"We're super excited to ignite our cookie passion and create dynamic recipes that push the creative envelope more than what is offered at Luna," said Luna owner Bridget Thibeault.
The opening cookie flavors will be a signature salted chocolate chip, funfetti birthday cake, white chocolate macadamia nut, trash can cookies and cream and a gluten-free, vegan, salted chocolate chip. Cookies will be served individually or in four or eight packs.
Guests can choose to fill The Cookie Shot, which will be lined with chocolate, with either chocolate or white milk. For those 21 years of age and older, there will be two shots to choose from. A line of milks and oat milk will be offered as well.
The Yard's season will run through Halloween. Hours include 4 p.m. to midnight, Mondays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays; noon to 1 a.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
The Yard also will be adding three new "truck bed" tables into the seating area.
In addition to the more than 60 rotating food trucks offered throughout the season, The Yard has added another shareable cocktail in addition to the Willbilly Punch called Backyard Bathwater. The shareable cocktail will be served in a cooler and will feature tequila, basil and fresh strawberry, and will be garnished with a cotton candy pink glitter bomb and topped off with floating rubber flamingos.
On Sundays, starting at 11 a.m. throughout the season, The Yard will be launching the Willbilly Flea, which will feature local vendors and live music.