Staff report

NILES — One Hot Cookie, a regionally based cookie and dessert destination, will open a location inside the Eastwood Mall.

The anticipated opening is in April.

In a news release Wednesday, the company said the move marks a fresh start for the brand under the leadership of new owner Heather Huff. A local resident and combat Army veteran, Huff is a familiar face to the company; she served as a dedicated store manager for two years before purchasing the business outright in December 2025.

For Huff, setting up shop in Niles was a decision rooted in community and the changing retail landscape.

“I wanted to bring One Hot Cookie to Eastwood Mall because with all the updates, new stores and additions, I wanted to bring cookies and other desserts to Trumbull County,” Huff said. “It made sense for me since my daughter goes to Bristol Elementary, and I am sponsoring her softball team.

“The amount of people that are going back into the mall made this a smart move for me.”

Huff said the Eastwood Mall will serve as a hub for the treats that fans have come to love, featuring a menu designed to satisfy any mid-day sugar craving. They include signature favorites, dietary-friendly options and light snacks.

To serve the broader community, the new location will offer DoorDash delivery to Niles and the surrounding area.

“It’s exciting to welcome Heather and One Hot Cookie to Eastwood Mall,” said Johnny Chechitelli, regional director of marketing and communications for the Eastwood Mall Complex. “As a veteran and dedicated member of the local community, Heather brings a level of commitment and excellence that aligns perfectly with our vision for the mall.”

The new One Hot Cookie location will be located between Ashcroft & Oak and Claire’s and will be open seven days a week during regular mall hours. For more info, visit www.onehotcookie.com.