A UCSD grad student has traded in his lab coat for an apron and sunglasses.
The young man now known as "Agent Snickerdoodle" started a "secret cookie service" in which hungry UCSD students simply text or call him requesting his famous cookies. He gives them a CETA (Cookie Estimated Time of Arrival, of course) and then then delivers them in disguise.
Snickerdoodle dropped out of his PhD chemistry program at UCSD last year to start his cookie service. Now, his business is thriving on the campus where he once studied.
"It was terrifying leaving the program," Snickerdoodle said. "I think a lot of people kind of looked down on it, like 'what am I doing?' And literally said I was nuts doing it."
That was why he donned the disguise to begin with, he said. He and his partner dress in dark suits and ties with dark sunglasses.
"It was really a secret from everyone who knew me."
But more than a disguise from criticism, the tactic is a unique entrepreneurial touch.
Local
"It's definitely unique when guys in suits and shades deliver cookies for you," Snickerdoodle said. "Its definitely an experience."
Students agree. The service is hardly a secret any more, and some customers have even become regulars.
"[I've ordered them] more than 10 times, definitely," said UCSD student Edward Mangebin. "Especially during exam week, I order a lot because the cookies are really good and it gets me unstressed for a bit."
The cookies are hand-delivered after customers put a request in at least a day in advance. They can pay with credit cards over the phone or with cash in person. Two cookies cost $3, or four cookies are $5. Agent Snickerdoodle will even deliver milk for $1.50 extra -- plus delivery, which he charges $1 for.
"I get them a couple times a week," said UCSD student Amreeta Jammu of the cookie service. "Sometimes more than that. If I'm with friends, we'll order a whole bunch."
Though Agent Snickerdoodle doesn't get much sleep as is, he still sees his business expanding. At a school with over 24,000 students, there's room for growth. And he welcomes it.
"It's so much fun. Oh my god, it's so much fun," he said.
He is even considering opening his service to the residents outside the campus, he said.
For more information, check out his Facebook page.
Tell us what you think. Comment below, fan us on Facebook, mention us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, or download our improved iPhone app.
