Chicago issues business license to Insomnia Cookies at 225 S Canal St

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

On November 2, 2026, Chicago issued a retail food establishment license to Insomnia Cookies for its location at 225 S Canal St. The license came after a health inspection on October 8 passed, following two earlier inspections in July and August that were marked 'not ready'.

The record confirms the city's approval of the business's food service operations. It does not indicate whether the store is newly opened or already operating; online reviews suggest the location was serving customers as early as June 2026.

Why it matters

The license formalizes the city's approval for Insomnia Cookies to sell food at this West Loop address, a routine but necessary step for legal operation.

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Key Indicators

Health inspections before license

Two 'not ready' and one pass

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Organizations Involved

Insomnia Cookies

Private food delivery chain

Licensed to operate at 225 S Canal St, Chicago

A chain of bakeries specializing in cookies and late-night delivery.

Chicago Department of Public Health

Municipal agency

Issued the license and conducted inspections

The city agency responsible for public health, including food inspections and business licensing.

Timeline

July 2026 November 2026

4 events Latest: 4 days ago

Tap a bar to jump to that date

November 2026
Business license issued
Latest Licensing

Chicago issued a retail food establishment license to Insomnia Cookies at 225 S Canal St.
4 days ago
October 2026
Health inspection passed
Inspection

The site passed its health inspection, with one minor violation for missing thermometers.
October 8th, 2026
August 2026
Second license inspection: Not Ready
Inspection

A follow-up inspection again found the site not ready.
August 6th, 2026
July 2026
First license inspection: Not Ready
Inspection

Chicago health inspectors visited the site but found it not ready for inspection.
July 21st, 2026

Scenarios

Insomnia Cookies retains its Chicago license without disciplinary action

Likely Resolves by Nov 2, 2027

Discussed by: No public analysis; scenario based on the routine nature of the license issuance.

The license remains active and the business continues to operate without any new violations or enforcement actions. This is the typical outcome for a food establishment that has passed its initial inspection.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2003

Insomnia Cookies founded (2003)

Seth Berkowitz started baking and delivering cookies from his dorm room at the University of Pennsylvania. The business grew into a chain with a focus on late-night delivery.

Then

Became a popular late-night destination for college students.

Now

Expanded to over 250 locations nationwide, including multiple in Chicago.

Why this matters now

Provides context for why a new license at a Chicago location is part of the chain's ongoing expansion.