Crumbl Cookies has taken the dessert world by storm since its inception in 2017, transforming from a single store in Logan, Utah, to a franchise juggernaut with over 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada.
Known for its oversized, gourmet cookies and a weekly rotating menu that keeps customers coming back for more, Crumbl has mastered the art of creating anticipation and excitement.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Crumbl’s operations is its Tester Locations—select stores where customers can sample experimental cookie flavors before they hit the national menu.
This article dives deep into the world of Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations, exploring their purpose, how they work, where to find them, and why they’re a game-changer for cookie enthusiasts.
We’ll also address six frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need to become a Crumbl flavor tester.
What Are Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations?
Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations are specially designated stores that trial new cookie flavors and limited-time offerings (LTOs) before they’re rolled out to all Crumbl locations.
Every Wednesday, these stores feature a “Cookie in Testing,” allowing customers to try innovative creations and provide feedback that helps Crumbl refine recipes and decide which flavors make it to the regular menu.
This process is a cornerstone of Crumbl’s innovation strategy, ensuring that only the most popular and well-received flavors become part of their weekly rotations.
The concept was first highlighted by Crumbl co-founder Sawyer Hemsley in June 2022 via an Instagram story, where he shared that select stores would offer a new cookie flavor each Wednesday for customers to test and review.
Since then, the program has expanded, with Tester Locations playing a pivotal role in shaping Crumbl’s ever-evolving menu. Flavors like Cookie Butter Ice Cream, Raspberry Butter Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Peaches & Cream have all been tested at these locations, with customer feedback determining their fate.
Why Tester Locations Matter
Tester Locations are more than just a marketing gimmick—they’re a direct line to Crumbl’s customer base. By involving fans in the flavor development process, Crumbl fosters a sense of community and loyalty. Customers at Tester Locations aren’t just eating cookies; they’re influencing the future of the brand. This participatory approach has helped Crumbl maintain its reputation for creativity and quality, as well as its ability to stay ahead of dessert trends.
Moreover, Tester Locations create a sense of exclusivity. Being able to try a flavor before it goes national is a thrill for Crumbl enthusiasts, many of whom share their experiences on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, further amplifying the brand’s reach. With over 14 million combined followers on TikTok and Instagram as of 2024, Crumbl’s social media strategy thrives on this user-generated content, making Tester Locations a key driver of engagement.
How the Testing Process Works
- Weekly Testing: Every Wednesday, Tester Locations offer a new “Cookie in Testing” alongside their regular weekly menu. These cookies are exclusive to these stores and are not available elsewhere until Crumbl decides to roll them out nationally.
- Customer Participation: Customers can purchase the test cookie in-store. After tasting, they’re encouraged to provide feedback, often through a QR code provided at the store that links to a survey. The survey is quick and user-friendly, allowing customers to rate the flavor, texture, and overall experience.
- Feedback Analysis: Crumbl collects and analyzes feedback from testers to determine whether a cookie should be refined, scrapped, or added to the national menu. This data-driven approach ensures that only the best flavors make the cut.
- Menu Influence: Successful test flavors may appear as part of the weekly rotating menu or as Limited Time Offerings (LTOs). For example, the Butter Cake LTO, scheduled for November 4-9, 2024, was a hit during testing and earned a spot on the national menu.
Finding Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations
- San Antonio, Texas (11619 Bandera Road): The first Crumbl location in Texas, this store has been a testing hub since at least 2021. It’s known for offering exclusive flavors and has a strong community of testers who share their experiences online.
- Bentonville, Arkansas: Frequently mentioned in customer queries on platforms like Reddit, this location is a go-to for testing new flavors.
- Madison, Mississippi: Certified as a Tester Location in January 2023, this store offers new flavors every Wednesday and encourages customer feedback through the Taste Testing Program.
- Logan, Utah: As Crumbl’s original location, it’s no surprise that this store often participates in testing new flavors.
To find a Tester Location near you, try these steps:
- Check the Crumbl App: Navigate to the “More” tab and select “Location Map.” While the “Test Cookies” tab has been buggy, the app may still list nearby stores that participate in testing.
- Visit Crumbl’s Website: The official website (crumblcookies.com) features a store locator tool that can help you identify nearby locations. Contact the store directly to confirm if it’s a Tester Location.
- Call or Visit: Since the app and website may not always display testing information, calling or visiting a local Crumbl store is the most reliable way to confirm its status.
- Follow Social Media: Crumbl’s Instagram and TikTok accounts, as well as fan-run pages like r/CrumblCookies on Reddit, often share updates about Tester Locations and new flavors.
The Impact of Tester Locations on Crumbl’s Success
Crumbl’s Tester Locations are a testament to the brand’s innovative approach to dessert development. By crowdsourcing feedback, Crumbl ensures that its menu stays fresh and relevant, catering to the diverse tastes of its customer base. This strategy has contributed to Crumbl’s rapid expansion, with over 1,040 stores in 846 cities across the U.S. as of February 2025. States like California (135 stores) and Texas (105 stores) lead the pack, reflecting Crumbl’s focus on high-population areas where Tester Locations can reach a broad audience.
The social media buzz generated by Tester Locations also plays a significant role in Crumbl’s growth. The #CrumblCookieReview hashtag on TikTok, with over 8.4 million clicks, showcases customers sharing their tasting experiences, often from Tester Locations. This organic marketing has helped Crumbl become the fastest-growing dessert chain in the U.S., as noted by The New York Times.
Crumbl’s Tester Locations
| State | Cities/Towns |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Madison, Vestavia Hills |
| Arizona | Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Avondale, Mesa Groves, Oro Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe |
| Arkansas | Bentonville |
| California | Chico, Chino, Apple Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Roseville, Santee, Yuba City |
| Colorado | Castle Rock, Johnstown |
| Florida | Altamonte Springs, Aventura, Beach Haven, Gulf Breeze, Lake Mary, Mandarin, Palm Beach Gardens, Pensacola |
| Georgia | Cumming |
| Illinois | Boughton Road, Naperville, Wicker Park |
| Indiana | Bloomington, Fishers, Valparaiso |
| Minnesota | Arden Hills, Apple Valley, Minnetonka |
| Missouri | Cottleville, South County |
| Nevada | Sparks |
| New Hampshire | Portsmouth |
| New Jersey | Morris Plains, Newtown, Ocean |
| North Carolina | Southpoint |
| Ohio | Anderson, Avon, Dublin |
| Oregon | Cascade Station, Progress Ridge |
| Pennsylvania | Bensalem, Newtown |
| South Carolina | Simpsonville |
| Tennessee | Chattanooga, Mount Juliet, Smyrna |
| Texas | Alamo Ranch, Amarillo, Cinco Ranch, Lubbock, San Antonio |
| Utah | Brigham City |
| Virginia | Ashburn, Charlottesville, Mechanicsville |
| Washington | Kennewick, Lakewood, Sammamish |
Challenges and Criticisms
While Tester Locations are a hit with fans, they’re not without challenges. The Crumbl app’s persistent issues with the “Test Cookies” tab have frustrated customers, making it harder to find testing locations and flavors. Additionally, some customers have expressed disappointment with the quality of test cookies, citing inconsistencies in texture or flavor. For example, a 2021 Mashed.com article highlighted negative TikTok reviews about delivery cookies, some of which may have been test flavors that didn’t meet expectations.
Crumbl has also faced broader criticisms, including a 2022 Department of Labor fine of $57,854 for child labor violations at 11 franchises and a 2025 lawsuit from Warner Music Group for $24 million over copyright infringement in social media posts. While these issues don’t directly relate to Tester Locations, they underscore the challenges of managing a rapidly expanding franchise while maintaining quality and compliance.
Popular Test Flavors and Their Journey
- Cookie Butter Ice Cream: A rich, creamy cookie with a cookie butter base, tested in 2022 and later featured as an LTO.
- Raspberry Butter Cake: A decadent cake-like cookie that gained popularity during testing and became a fan favorite.
- Strawberry Shortcake: A light, fruity cookie that resonated with testers and earned a spot on the national menu.
- Peaches & Cream: A summery flavor that captured the essence of fresh peaches, refined based on tester feedback.
Tips for Visiting a Tester Location
- Visit on Wednesdays: Test cookies are typically available only on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Arrive Early: Popular flavors can sell out quickly, especially at Tester Locations with high demand.
- Use the App: Despite its flaws, the Crumbl app can help you check weekly menus and locate stores. Keep an eye out for updates on the “Test Cookies” tab.
- Share Feedback: Your input matters! Take a moment to complete the survey via the QR code provided at the store.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan-run groups on Reddit or follow Crumbl on TikTok to stay updated on new flavors and share your tasting experiences.
The Future of Tester Locations
As Crumbl continues to grow, Tester Locations are likely to remain a key part of its innovation strategy. With plans to expand internationally—evidenced by a 2024 pop-up store in Sydney, Australia—Crumbl may introduce Tester Locations in new markets to gauge local tastes. The company’s acquisition of Crust Club in 2023, a pie company in Utah, also suggests potential for testing non-cookie desserts at these locations, further diversifying the menu.
However, Crumbl will need to address technical issues with its app and ensure consistent quality to maintain customer trust. As the brand navigates challenges like lawsuits and protests over ethical sourcing (e.g., battery cage eggs), Tester Locations will continue to serve as a proving ground for innovation and customer engagement.
Conclusion
Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations offer a unique opportunity for dessert lovers to taste the future of Crumbl’s menu while contributing to the brand’s creative process. From San Antonio to Madison, these stores are hubs of innovation, where feedback from customers shapes the cookies that millions enjoy. Despite challenges like app glitches and occasional criticisms, the Tester Location program underscores Crumbl’s commitment to quality and community. So, the next time you’re near a Crumbl store, check if it’s a Tester Location—you might just get a sneak peek at the next big flavor hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Crumbl Cookies Tester Locations?
Tester Locations are specific Crumbl stores that trial new cookie flavors every Wednesday. Customers can taste these experimental cookies and provide feedback to help Crumbl decide which flavors to add to the national menu.
2. How can I find a Crumbl Cookies Tester Location near me?
You can check the Crumbl app’s “Location Map” under the “More” tab or use the store locator on crumblcookies.com. Calling or visiting a local store is the most reliable way to confirm if it’s a Tester Location, as the app’s “Test Cookies” tab has been unreliable since July 2024.
3. When are test cookies available at Tester Locations?
Test cookies are typically available every Wednesday. It’s best to visit early in the day, as popular flavors can sell out quickly.
4. How do I provide feedback on a test cookie?
After purchasing a test cookie, you’ll receive a QR code at the store that links to a survey. The survey is quick and asks for your thoughts on the flavor, texture, and overall experience.
5. Can I order test cookies through the Crumbl app?
No, test cookies are typically available for in-store purchase only at Tester Locations. The Crumbl app does not currently display test flavors or allow online ordering for them.
6. What are some examples of cookies tested at Tester Locations?
Some popular test flavors include Cookie Butter Ice Cream, Raspberry Butter Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Peaches & Cream. Successful test flavors may become part of the weekly menu or Limited Time Offerings (LTOs).