Charity at [ ]/Cookies Bar/Cookies Cream Restaurant/Cookies Events & Catering/Lovers By The Water/Studio C Location/Team

30 YEARS OF COOKIES: A BERLIN STORY

November 24, 2024

Photo: Cookie and his sister Sibylle

From basement beginnings to Michelin stars, the Cookies story is one of audacious dreams, fierce passion, and a commitment to connection. It’s about the people, the experiences, and the city that birthed it all. As we look forward, we embrace the next chapter with the same spirit of adventure and innovation that has defined us from the start.

Here’s to 30 years of Cookies, and to the countless memories and moments that have made it an unforgettable journey. Here’s to the next 30 years, to the unknown, and to the magic that lies ahead.

Welcome to Cookies World – the journey continues.

Many Beginnings

It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since the Cookies story began. Looking back at where it all started – a spontaneous party in Cookie’s Mitte basement – it’s amazing to see how far things have come. This isn’t just a business anniversary; it’s a deeply personal milestone for Cookie, a reflection of his life, the people he’s met, and the city that became his home.

Berlin in the Early 90s: A City of Possibilities

When Cookie arrived in 1992, Berlin was a city in transformation. The Wall had fallen just three years earlier, leaving vast stretches of empty buildings and undefined spaces in its wake. The eastern part of the city, particularly Mitte, was a playground of possibilities – a urban canvas where anything seemed possible. Buildings stood empty, rent was cheap, and bureaucracy was delightfully confused about who owned what.

In this beautiful chaos, creativity flourished. Abandoned factories became impromptu galleries, empty apartments transformed into one-night-only bars, and basement parties could evolve into cultural institutions overnight. As Cookie recalls: “Back then in Mitte, every house was run-down and half the houses on every street were derelict. You could set up a bar or club virtually wherever you wanted, it might only last for one night or it might be open for a year, you never knew.”

The Birth of Cookies

Cookie was just 17, newly arrived in Berlin, and full of a raw, untamed ambition. He started washing dishes, trying to get his bearings, but Berlin’s infectious energy soon captivated him. He felt this undeniable urge to create, to bring people together. That’s how Biscuits, the precursor to Cookies, was born. It wasn’t a calculated business move; it was about connection, about forging a space where people felt they could truly be themselves. The name evolved organically, everybody just said “we’re going to Cookie’s”, and it simply stuck.

The Nomadic Early Years

The club was nomadic in those early years, constantly searching for the right space, adapting to Berlin’s ever-shifting landscape. Each location holds a unique memory:

Janet, Cookie and Nane

Cookies #1
1994 – 1996: Auguststraße 26b

Our first location was a dark, cozy cellar where we specialized in cocktails. We played the same three CDs on rotation every night until finally, after six months, our first DJ, Ben Klock, started playing regularly on Tuesdays. 

Cookies #2
1996: Auguststraße 36

We moved 10 houses up the street to a former space of the Berlin shipping company which belonged to Nick, my sister’s then boyfriend. We partied there for the last five months before renovation. The club entry was via the backyard, through the cellar, and then up the stairs. Everybody knew everybody; it was like their living room. This was where the Watermelon Man cocktail was invented, that spread throughout the cocktail menus of Berlin’s bars.

Cookies #3
1997 – 1998: Johannisstraße 2

By now, Cookies had started becoming famous throughout Berlin. We moved once again into slightly bigger rooms of yet another old house—this is where we moved from ‘bar’ to ‘club’. To deal with the high demand, we had to develop a tough door policy that became rather infamous.

Cookies #4
1998 – 1999: Auguststraße 5a/ Postfuhramt

Cookies #4 was part of the Kunst Biennale. We either loved it or hated it, and needless to say, we only stayed 6 months here. It was in the old postal service building and, for me, it just didn’t have that special ‘something’ that a club is either blessed with or simply isn’t. 

Cookies #5
1999 – 2000: Saarbrücker Straße 36/ Backfabrik

With this club, we made the biggest jump size-wise. We were in an old abandoned bakery factory. To get to the club, you had to walk through three deserted factory courtyards, following the sound of the bass line until you found the floor. This was the club that got people dancing on the bar again!

The highlight was recreating a Pop Up of this location in New York at part of PS1 as part of the exhibition ‘Children of Berlin’. We built a replica and brought our whole team over. After dancing all night in what felt exactly like Berlin, it was quite surreal to stumble out into Brooklyn instead of Mitte.

Cookies #6
2000 – 2005: Charlottenstraße 44

This was the largest Cookies ever and I think it secured a place in everyone’s hearts. It was such a unique building: an old bank that actually has a bomb crater in the middle of it—plus marble walls! We were always changing and adding things to it; for example, we built a champagne DJ bar inside the unisex toilets, which was pretty legendary. We had to replace a toilet every single night! A major addition was the giant open-plan club restaurant; that sort of dining experience was a first for Berlin.

The club was now becoming known on an international level and we started having famous DJs calling up saying they were going to be in Berlin and asking to play here. This was Cookies on a whole new level.

Cookies #7
2007 – 2014: Friedrichstraße 158

After the longest break in Cookies history (a good location is hard to find!), the right place finally found me: in the center of Mitte where Unter den Linden meets Friedrichstrasse and it’s just a stone’s throw from our previous location. Here we have the restaurant Cookies Cream upstairs, and two dance floors. It was love at first sight for me when I saw this location. It’s the former theatre and cinema of the Institut Français in East Berlin. I had to have it!

When the club closed in 2014 we opened our second restaurant Crackers in its place. And this is were you can still find us. Even dancing on the tables at special events ;)

Memorable Nights

Throughout its various incarnations, Cookies became the backdrop for countless unforgettable moments. Here are just a few that capture the magic:

The Three-CD Night

In the earliest days at Auguststraße 26b, before Ben Klock became our first resident DJ, we only had three CDs to our name. Cookie remembers: “We played these same CDs on rotation every night. The guests didn’t seem to mind – they were too busy teaching us how to make proper Caipirinhas since we didn’t even have the necessary tools and were mashing limes with the back of a bottle opener!”

The Birth of the Watermelon Man

While sitting with Frank at the entrance of Delicious Doughnuts, Frank handed Cookie a newspaper featuring cocktail recipes. Cookie bought the ingredients and experimented, but wasn’t satisfied with the original recipe. Following his instinct, he started tweaking and adjusting until something magical happened. The result? The Cookies Watermelon Man – a cocktail that would become an instant sensation. That first night, they sold out of every bottle within an hour. The drink became the most popular cocktail in Cookies history, and soon bars across Berlin were creating their own versions of the Watermelon Man.

The Toilet DJ Booth

The Charlottenstraße location became famous for its unisex bathroom DJ booth and champagne bar. “We had to replace a toilet every single night!” Cookie laughs. “But where else in the world could you dance to world-class DJs while washing your hands?” This unconventional setup caught the attention of international media and became a symbol of Berlin’s creative approach to nightlife.

The Chemical Brothers’ Surprise Set

During the Cookies VI era, The Chemical Brothers showed up unannounced one Tuesday night. What followed was an impromptu set that lasted until dawn, with the crowd growing as word spread through the city. It became one of those “I was there” moments that people still talk about today.

From Underground to Fine Dining

These unforgettable nights and countless others shaped not just Cookies’ legacy, but Cookie’s vision for the future. As Berlin evolved, so did the dream. The raw energy of those early parties, the commitment to creating unique experiences, and the desire to always push boundaries – these elements would find new expression in what came next. While the nightclub era was drawing to a close, Cookie’s innovative spirit was about to transform Berlin’s culinary scene.

Cookies Cream: Pioneering Vegetarian Fine Dining

In 2007, we embarked on a culinary adventure that would shake the roots of Berlin’s dining scene—welcome to Cookies Cream! As pioneers of vegetarian fine dining, we opened our hidden gem in a no-frills backyard off Behrenstrasse that led guests into a world of unexpected culinary wonder. More than just a restaurant, Cookies Cream became a sanctuary for food lovers, showcasing the vibrant palette of plant-based ingredients in creative and delicious ways.

In a city where meat-dominated menus reigned supreme, we were bold enough to champion high-end vegetarian dining long before it was fashionable. By 2018, our relentless pursuit of excellence was rewarded with a Michelin star—a recognition that spoke volumes about our commitment to innovative cuisine and sustainability. Today, under the creative vision of Chef Nicholas Hahn, our menu remains a canvas where seasonal vegetables come alive, transformed into exquisite dishes that tell a story of flavor, craftsmanship, and passion.

Crackers: Where Food Meets Music

In 2014, we transformed our iconic club space into Crackers. Set in a former cinema, the timeless design creates a unique atmosphere where dining and nightlife come together naturally. The kitchen serves excellent food while the music keeps playing.

Our guests are as diverse as Berlin itself – locals, travelers, and everyone in between. They come for the food and stay for the vibe. Our chefs create amazing dishes while our service team makes sure everyone feels at home. Every detail reflects what Crackers is about, from the plates to the playlists. True to our motto “You’re fucking free!”, this is a place where great meals and good times go hand in hand.

Cookie Heinz Gindullis and Jen Florin

Cookies Events & Catering: Unforgettable Celebrations

As we grew, we recognized opportunities beyond bars and restaurants. Enter Cookies Events & Catering—our commitment to crafting unforgettable celebrations! Since 2011, under the deft leadership of Jen Florin, we have been orchestrating high-class events that turn visions into reality.

From intimate birthday gatherings to grand corporate soirées, our events are designed to leave an indelible mark on hearts and memories. Partnering with world-renowned brands like Google, Netflix, and Adidas, we’ve showcased our flair for creativity and excellence, ensuring every event is as unique and vibrant as our diverse clientele. An event isn’t just an occasion—it’s an experience, and with Cookies Events, we promise unforgettable memories at every turn.

Charity at [ ]: Giving Back

Cookie’s journey would not be complete without our community at heart. In 2008, Cookie Heinz Gindullis, along with his good friend Thomas-Marco Steinle, launched a charity initiative focused on the Mbigili children’s village in Tanzania. Our mission is simple but powerful: we believe in a future where every child can thrive.

Through charity dinners and fundraising events, we’ve rallied support from the Berlin community, coming together to uplift and empower vulnerable lives. With each donation raised, we invest in education and psychological counseling to nurture children who have faced unimaginable hardships. Our commitment is unwavering, and we treasure every opportunity to lend a helping hand, guided by the principle of “helping others help themselves.”

Parallel Ventures

As the club scene flourished, Cookie explored various concepts that expanded the Cookies World:

    • Delicious Doughnuts (1997) with Frank Künster

    • Greenwich Bar (1999-2006) with Heiko Martinez

    • Café Bravo at Kunstwerke (2001-2005)

    • Stripes Bar (2006) with Adidas for the World Cup

    • The LabelFinder (2007-2012) with Julian Hildebrandt

    • Chipps (2011-2016)

    • Data Kitchen (2015-2021) with SAP

    • Cookies Show (2020-2022) – Michelin Star delivery

Each venture, whether long-lasting or fleeting, contributed to the rich tapestry of experiences that would shape our future endeavors.

Here’s to 30 More Years of Cookies!

As we celebrate three awe-inspiring decades, we look forward to the future with resilience, creativity, and passion. The journey of Cookies World is a story of daring transformations that reflect the city’s pulse—vibrant, ever-evolving, and incredibly magnetic. With each step we’ve taken, we’ve been blessed to meet countless friends, create lasting memories, and impact lives.

Thank you for being part of our adventure! Here’s to the next 30 years, to the unknown, and to the magic that lies ahead.

Cookies World – the journey continues.

Cookies World Now

Cookies Cream:

Hidden down a Behrenstrasse alleyway, Cookies Cream is where culinary magic happens. Whitewashed walls and raspberry-red banquettes set the scene for an explosion of flavors. Under the current leadership of Chef Nicholas Hahn, who took the helm in 2023, the restaurant continues to push the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. The menu, now 80% vegan, celebrates seasonal vegetables with innovative preservation techniques and close partnerships with local farmers, including a dedicated garden in Krielow, Brandenburg, that grows the restaurant’s signature “Cookie Tomato.”. 

  • HIGH-END VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN RESTAURANT WITH ONE MICHELIN STAR.
  • BEHRENSTRASSE 55, 10117 BERLIN
  • COOKIESCREAM.COM
  • +49 (0)30 680 730 448
  • CREAM@COOKIESCREAM.COM

Crackers:

Occupying the hallowed ground of the former Cookies Club, Crackers is where comfort meets cool. It’s a haven for creatives and executives alike, drawn by its sophisticated vibe and internationally-inspired menu. From perfectly cooked steaks to innovative takes on classic comfort food, Chefs Patrick Ziegert und Felix Klawitter offer a taste of Berlin’s eclectic soul. Step inside, lose track of time, and let the rhythm move you.

  • CRACKERS – BAR & RESTAURANT WITH DJs ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS.
  • FRIEDRICHSTRASSE 158, 10117 BERLIN
  • CRACKERSBERLIN.COM
  • +49 (0)30 680 730 488
  • CRACKERS@CRACKERSBERLIN.COM

Cookies Events & Catering:

Need a party that’ll blow your mind? Look no further. Led by the powerhouse that is Jen Florin, Cookies Events & Catering orchestrates unforgettable experiences for global brands. From intimate gatherings to epic blowouts, they handle every detail with passion and precision. With their stunning Spreeufer event space, Studio C, the possibilities are endless.

Charity at [ ]:

Cookie’s heart extends beyond Berlin to the children of Mbigili, Tanzania. For over a decade, he and his friend Thomas Steinle have poured their energy into Charity at, their non-profit supporting the Mbigili children’s village. Through their annual gala dinner at Cookies Cream and ongoing donations, they provide homes, healthcare, and education for children in need, empowering them to build a brighter future.

  • CHARITY AT [ ] IS OUR NONPROFIT INITIATIVE TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF MORE THAN 200 CHILDREN IN TANZANIA BY PROVIDING HOMES, HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION IN A NON-VIOLENT ENVIRONMENT.
  • CHARITYAT.COM
  • INFO@CHARITYAT.COM