The fortune cookie, a beloved treat known for its crisp texture and hidden messages, has its roots in Los Angeles. It was created in 1918 by local businessman and philanthropist David Jung during the Great Depression. His goal was to lift the spirits of the unemployed by offering them inspirational messages of hope and good fortune.
Interestingly, the very first messages inside fortune cookies were verses from the Bible!
Decades later, in 1960, legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder saw an opportunity to take this idea even further. He became the first to use fortune cookies as a marketing tool, incorporating them into the promotion of his new movie, The Fortune Cookie.
This film also marked the first on-screen pairing of Hollywood greats Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau—an iconic duo whose collaboration proved to be very "fortune"-ate.
Beyond his filmmaking genius, Billy Wilder was a master of marketing. He ordered 15,000 fortune cookies from Jung’s bakery, each containing the message: “A great Picture is in your future…” The campaign was a massive success, cementing the fortune cookie’s place in Hollywood culture.
Soon, the concept of these "smart cookies" caught on among Hollywood’s elite, skyrocketing their popularity. Thanks to Wilder’s clever promotion and the success of his film, David Jung’s fortune cookie business flourished. The idea of crisp, golden cookies filled with thoughtful messages became a sensation.
Legend has it that David Jung was so grateful to Billy Wilder for popularizing the treat that he gifted him a giant fortune cookie with a custom message inside. While the contents of that special fortune remain a mystery, one can only imagine it was filled with great luck and prosperity!
Today, the tradition of crafting delicious, gourmet fortune cookies continues at Lady Fortunes®. We proudly uphold the Los Angeles legacy, creating the nation’s finest fortune cookies, baked goods, and confections—each one delivering a little bite of happiness and good fortune.
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