From Farmers Market Favorite to Burien Staple: How Lowrider Cookie Company is Baking Up Success

When Lowrider Cookie Company launched in 2017, it wasn't in a glossy storefront or sleek commercial kitchen. It was at the Burien Farmers Market where the aroma of fresh-baked cookies first caught the local community's attention (and cravings).

Fast forward a few years, and Lowrider has grown into a thriving small business with four locations, including a flagship store and commissary kitchen in Burien and even a satellite shop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Behind the growth? A lot of grit, a residential neighborhood with a sweet tooth, and a business owner who was all-in on keeping things deliberate, sustainable, and community-focused.

We recently spoke with the owner, Emily Allport, about why Burien became her home base, how the community helped her grow, and what advice she has for other entrepreneurs dreaming of building something of their own.

Why Burien? Because It's Home.

"I live a half mile from our shop," Allport shared with a smile. "So that was a big part of it. But more than that, Burien was a tested market for us. We did really well at the farmers market, so we knew the demand was there."

She jumped at the opportunity when the perfect building finally became available, a space she'd had her eye on since the early days. That building now houses the company's retail store and the production kitchen that serves every Lowrider location.

"We were lucky," she added. “Our landlord here is incredibly supportive. He's a small business owner himself, so he really understands the grind. That kind of relationship makes a huge difference.”

Cookies, Community, and a Commissary Kitchen

Opening its Burien store in October 2022 wasn't without its challenges. Coming out of the pandemic meant supply chain issues, rising costs, and plenty of uncertainty. But the business was already built to weather those kinds of storms.

"We had a takeout model before COVID ever hit, and our locations, especially the one in Seattle's Central District, are really residential," she explained. "That model helped us not just survive but thrive when many places struggled to regain their footing."

That success made it possible to open Burien as more than just another retail shop. It became the company's commissary kitchen, handling all production for every location, from Seattle to Sea-Tac.

Taking Off at SEA Airport

In 2023, Lowrider opened a small satellite shop inside SEA Airport, a 140-square-foot space designed as a short-term trial. It turns out that travelers like cookies.

"We just found out we've been awarded a new lease for a bigger space in the airport," she said. "It's a huge opportunity and something we're excited about."

For a business that started selling cookies at Burien's Farmers Market to a couple hundred people, it now has a space in Sea-Tac with 53.2 million annual travelers. "It's a major milestone, and we are excited to see what happens next," said Emily. 

Burien's Tastebuds are Fearless

The Burien location is Lowrider Cookies home, but more importantly, it's their primary test market for new products.

"Burien customers are the most adventurous," she said. "When we try new flavors, I always send the biggest batch here. I know they'll sell."

Of course, the classic chocolate chip cookie remains the best seller across all locations. "It took a long time to develop that recipe, and it's still my personal favorite," she admitted. “But we've recently launched a line of crispy cookies called Little Crispies. I'm obsessed with those, too.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Start Small, Stay Intentional

When asked what she'd say to someone thinking of opening a business in Burien, she didn't hesitate:

"Start small. Keep your costs low. Avoid debt as much as you can. You don't need to open a big fancy store on day one." She's a big believer in starting where you are, whether at a farmers market, out of a shared kitchen, or from your own home.

"And don't be afraid to go slow," she added. “We made deliberate, intentional decisions. That's why we're still here and still growing.”

Burien Bakes in the Support

Lowrider Cookie Company's success is a testament to the strength of Burien's small business ecosystem. "There's something different about Burien," she said. "There's a real sense of community. People show up for local businesses here, whether it's cookies, coffee, or something else entirely."

Burien is a sweet spot for entrepreneurs looking for a place to plant roots, 

Want to See What All the Hype Is About?

Visit Lowrider Cookie Company at their Burien location and taste what happens when passion, purpose, and community come together. Just make sure to grab a chocolate chip before they sell out.

Celebrating Women in Business: Spotlight on Burien's Female Entrepreneurs

This article marks the first feature in our new series dedicated to championing woman-owned businesses in the Burien community. Throughout the summer and fall, we'll be highlighting the incredible women behind some of our city's most inspiring and impactful local businesses.

From new businesses to long-standing neighborhood favorites, each spotlight will showcase the stories, successes, and contributions of these entrepreneurs who help shape Burien's economic and cultural landscape.

Stay tuned as we spotlight these businesses forward and discover how they're making a difference in our community every day.