And then there were two! With one round left in the PA Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in PA” competition, the finalists are Denim Coffee and the Eat’n Park Smiley Cookie – two standout contenders from Pennsylvania’s vibrant food industry with deep roots and distinct stories.
“This has been another fun and energizing year for the ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ competition,” said Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the PA Chamber. “The enthusiasm from our competitors and their supporters has been incredible, and the spirit of this contest truly showcases the amazing products being made right here in the Commonwealth. From longtime mainstays to newer businesses bringing fresh ideas to market, these finalists highlight what makes Pennsylvania an exceptional manufacturing state. We wish both Denim Coffee and Eat’n Park the best of luck in this final round.”
While both finalists make celebrated foods in Pennsylvania, they represent very different chapters of the Commonwealth’s manufacturing story. The iconic Eat’n Park Smiley Cookie was introduced in 1986 by Eat’n Park’s former CEO and Chairman, Jim Broadhurst. In the four decades since its creation, the Smiley Cookie has become a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and Pennsylvania-made quality.
Denim Coffee is a relative newcomer that has quickly made its mark. Founded in Shippensburg in 2011, Denim Coffee combines craft, creativity, and small-batch production to grow from a local favorite to a recognized brand that reflects Pennsylvania’s evolving manufacturing and food culture.
Public voting for the championship round began at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, and will close at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, when the winner will be announced. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to cast their vote over social media to help determine which finalist earns the title of the 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in PA.”
The Coolest Thing Made in PA competition celebrates the creativity, innovation, and manufacturing excellence that drive Pennsylvania’s economy, spotlighting products proudly manufactured in the Commonwealth and championing the businesses behind them. To learn more about the competition, view the full list of this year’s 56 contestants and the complete voting schedule, visit www.pachamber.com/coolestthing.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.