Grannie’s Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parlor began in 1988 after Connie’s father was seriously injured in a car accident. Looking for a hobby and a way to help support the family, their mother, Eva—known to everyone as “Grannie”—sold three cookie jars at a local flea market. They sold immediately, inspiring her to begin buying and selling cookie jars through auctions and estate sales. What started as a small collection has grown into a world-famous attraction.
The turning point came after the family moved into their current building. Visitors repeatedly compared the shop to a museum, encouraging the family to apply for a Guinness World Record. Today, the shop proudly displays more than 3,200 cookie jars, earning its place in the record books while still offering every piece for sale.
Beyond cookie jars, the store features over 1,000 salt and pepper shakers in every imaginable style—from western themes and vegetables to glass, wood, porcelain, and plastic collectibles.
Another signature attraction is the shop’s homemade waffle cones. Connie says the irresistible aroma is what first draws visitors inside, but the real secret is enjoying the work. Every cone also includes a Hershey’s Kiss tucked into the bottom, a tradition started by her father, who jokingly called it “your kiss for today” while charming customers.
The shop brings smiles to every generation. Children return year after year for the ice cream they grew up enjoying, while many adults visit specifically to browse the cookie jars and relive memories. One question Connie hears almost every weekend is whether they sell cookies. Her answer is always the same: “No cookies—but our waffle cones taste like one.”
Among her favorite collectibles is the cheerful M&M cookie jar, which she pairs with watermelon sorbet because both are fun, colorful, and lighthearted. When asked which cookie jar best represents Metamora, Connie chooses the vintage McCoy “Pioneers” cookie jar, featuring a horse and buggy alongside a family—a perfect reflection of the town’s history and close-knit spirit.
With thousands of fragile collectibles, accidents are inevitable. About once a year, a valuable jar gets broken by a visitor. Connie says they simply charge what they originally paid for the item and move on, recognizing that accidents happen.
The greatest lesson Connie learned from Grannie wasn’t about collectibles—it was about hospitality. Every customer should be greeted warmly, even on difficult days. She believes business owners have only 20 to 30 seconds to make visitors feel welcome before allowing them to browse at their own pace. There is never pressure to buy. As Grannie always said, “When in doubt, think about. If you come back and its gone, it wasn’t meant to be. If its there, then it was meant to be”
Connie also credits Metamora’s success to its remarkable sense of community. Local businesses constantly support one another, share customers, help neighbors in need, and work together to promote the town. Her family participates in community events whenever possible because they believe being involved strengthens both the town and their business.
One unique tribute to Connie is a waffle cone-scented candle that was made in her honor, allowing visitors to take home the signature heavenly waffle cone scent that has become one of Metamora’s most recognizable smells around Metamora
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Connie’s advice for visitors is simple: slow down, explore every shop, and enjoy the experience. Each store in Metamora offers something unique, and the town’s relaxed pace is part of its charm. Families who visit often return years later, bringing a new generation to create memories of their own.
