Son’s food allergies inspire mom to start cookie business in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Annette Rodriguez of Santa Barbara struggled raising her son diagnosed with food allergies, especially when he craved desserts like cookies. 

"Having a son that had food allergies made everything a lot more difficult," said Rodriguez.

The single mom used to commute to Los Angeles just to get egg-free desserts for him.

"So when we would go to eat, it was always trying to find places that had egg-free items ... and having two children ... only one with an allergy … It was hard to say oh no, you can’t have that. Oh no, you can’t eat that," said Rodriguez.

So she decided to open Cookie Plug in downtown Santa Barbara.

"Finding a place where we could all eat together, was just making my heart as a mom very happy, and why we fell in love with Cookie Plug," said Rodriguez.

"Well, as someone with allergies myself, I totally understand what she’s coming from so you know going to certain restaurants, you have to ask certain questions, certain things you have to stay away from, so I totally get it," said customer Danielle Solano of Cookie Plug.

Rodriguez believes this is the only dessert shop that sells egg-free dough cookies in the area.

"It's very dog friendly ... my dog enjoys it ... they do have dog cookies, said customer Carl Decker of Cookie Plug.

Rodriguez is hoping Cookie Plug will attract newcomers to the downtown area. 

"I thought downtown has just changed so much. Let’s bring something colorful healthy also delicious and a little unhealthy side if you want a treat something fun," said Rodriguez.

This week, Downtown Business Spotlight is honoring Rodriguez for her new business.

Cookie Plug is located at 918 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.