Majic Market Changes Hands; New Owners Include 'Cookie-Man'

Thanks to a delicious cookie, a Kirkwood institution for the last 40 years now has a new owner.

Keith and Paula Willis bought Majic Market in December after Keith "The Cookie-Man" started hunting around for a way to expand his business in custom-made, hefty and locally famous chocolate chip cookies.

Willis told Patch he started the cookie business about five years ago after starting his catering business. He sells cookies to Kirkwood High School and some local retailers. But with capacity at his home to make only 40 cookies in a batch, he was looking for a way to expand.

And that's when he started eyeing Majic Market, where owner Jacob Portnoy was looking to retire.

"He had a great staff, with lots of experience," Willis said. "I could count on them to do what they do well and I could come in there and start making cookies and add something to the business."

On the store's Facebook page, he also said: "I jumped at the chance to expand my cooking presence in the community. But I also want to preserve all the good qualities you have come to enjoy with Majic Market."

The specialty grocery store at 640 W Woodbine Ave. is a convenience store that features a deli department and includes selections of wraps, sandwiches, breakfast items, meats, soups, subs, soups, chili and more.

The Willises had previously opened a catering company called The Everyday Gourmet, which Willis reports has a steady clientele and is continuing to grow.

Once change that's been made since he took over was the addition of soups made-from-scratch and an expanding sandwich and dessert menu. The store will official introduce paninis on Monday.

"We're already starting to see the business spiking up, so we're excited about that," Willis told Patch.