The innovative idea of bringing edible cookie dough to downtown Tampa started with a small booth at the Gasparilla Music Festival. We handed out samples of our cookie dough flavors, and before we knew it, we had people lined up around the block for more. That day inspired us to think about what else we could do with cookie dough. How could it be a part of our social enterprise model?

Chef Cliff Barsi is behind the award-winning Dough Nation cafe social enterprise concept, where it serves as a training platform for the students and employees of the Metropolitan Ministries culinary arts program and catering division. Bob Basham, Outback Steakhouse and PDQ founder as well as longtime Metropolitan Ministries board member and supporter, serves as an advisor. Several graduates and employees of this program now work at the best restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Flavor is everything, and Chef Cliff has created the perfect concoction with just the right ingredients. Dough Nation offers classic favorites like chocolate chip, dark chocolate, and interesting mixtures like s’mores, sweet & salty caramel and more. It tastes amazing, according to Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, Fox 13 News, WFLA News Channel 8 and several other media outlets and foodies around the Bay.

As a cookie dough lover, you can enjoy your favorite flavors while dining in the cafe or the comfort of your home or office with our pint-size take outs or Door Dash delivery. When you are tired of eating it raw, you can bake it!

Here’s the best part. Because Dough Nation is owned and operated by Metropolitan Ministries, one of Tampa Bay’s premiere and most trusted nonprofits, all proceeds from your purchases go directly to feed the hungry in Tampa Bay through the Ministries’ hunger relief programs. Dough Nation is THE trendy dessert hot spot—good food doing good for the community.