Ted Jensen Looks Ahead To Causeway Speciality Market’s 20th Anniversary

As the Causeway Speciality Market in Coleraine prepares to mark its 20th anniversary in April 2026, one of its longest-serving traders says the milestone is a chance to celebrate not just the market, but the community that has grown around it.

Ted Jensen of Big Ted’s American Cookies has been part of the market since January 2007 and has watched it grow into one of the most established outdoor artisan markets in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to Explore Causeway Coast & Glens, Ted said:
“When I first started coming to Coleraine with a table of cookies back in 2007, I never imagined I’d still be here nearly two decades later. The market has given me a place to build something, to meet people every week, and to feel part of the town. The 20th anniversary feels special, because so many of us have grown alongside it.”

Ted moved to Northern Ireland in 1991 and spent years working as an engineer before deciding to change direction in 2006. Inspired by the chocolate chip cookies his grandmother taught him to bake as a child, he founded Big Ted’s American Cookies with the aim of bringing authentic American-style baking to his new home.

Starting out from his own kitchen, Ted built the business around all-natural ingredients and traditional recipes. His range has since grown to include flavours such as classic American chocolate chip, triple chocolate, chocolate orange, blondie white chocolate, M&M’s and cinnamon snickerdoodle.

Six months later, he took his cookies to the markets, beginning in Coleraine, where he quickly became a regular face. For Ted, the market offered something more than a place to trade.

“There’s a real sense of support between traders,” he added. “People share advice, look out for each other and genuinely want to see each other do well. That’s not something you get everywhere.”

Like many small traders, Ted faced challenges during the credit crunch in 2010, when he scaled back from supplying cafés across the region to focusing on direct sales at markets. The move allowed him to stay close to his customers and keep the business going through difficult times.

Now retired from Queen’s University as of March last year, Ted continues to run Big Ted’s American Cookies alongside his friend Alastair, who helps out at weekends. Together, they trade in Coleraine and Ballycastle, as well as at events and festivals across the area. Big Ted’s cookies are also supplied for school fundraisers, community events, corporate orders and weddings.

Looking ahead to the market’s 20th anniversary celebrations in April 2026, Ted said the milestone is about the people and the memories built around the stall as much as the business itself.

“For us, the 20-year legacy is really about seeing the generations come through,” he said. “We regularly have kids who used to buy our cookies now bringing their girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse to buy cookies. We even know of two people who used to come as kids who are now bringing their own children to the stall. That’s when it really hits home how long we’ve been part of people’s lives.”

As the anniversary celebrations get underway, Ted will once again be in his familiar spot at the Causeway Speciality Market, baking the recipes he learned as a four-year-old, and sharing a taste of home with a community he now calls his own.

The Council-run Causeway Speciality Market, Coleraine, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, 11th April 2026. Council’s Town and Village team, who proudly run the market, invites everyone to join them for a very special outdoor celebration - recognising two decades of talented makers, local produce, artisan craft, creativity, and, of course, community.

The Market has become one of the largest outdoor artisan markets in NI over the years and has supported many local startups to develop their businesses.