Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Lamar.
Hi Danielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We bought the donut shop on a bit of a whim in late October. We had heard that Mondo Donuts was closing and decided – kind of last-minute – to reach out and ask if anyone had expressed interest in buying the business. As it turns out, our message came just in time. They told us they were planning to hand off the equipment to someone else the very next day, but if someone wanted to buy the whole thing, they needed to know that day. We met up with them, and by the end of that conversation, we knew this was something we wanted to do.
Neither of us had experience working in bakeries or any formal culinary background – unless you count making a lot of sweets at home – but I knew I needed something outside of motherhood that I could pour my energy into. I had been a stay-at-home mom for about 4 ½ years, and while I absolutely love that role, I was ready to build something of my own. I also needed something flexible enough that I could still be there for my kids when they’re sick or have school events, something that fit around our life instead of pulling me away from it.
Running the donut shop has brought so much joy and meaning into my life. I love getting to know our regulars, chatting with new customers, and finding ways to give back, whether that’s through donating donuts for events or just being part of the community in a small, sweet way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, opening the donut shop was a fairly smooth ride, but of course, there were a few bumps along the way. Getting all the proper permits was a bit of a process. We actually received our certificate of occupancy just one day before our planned opening due to a miscommunication, which nearly delayed everything.
Inside the shop, we’ve had our fair share of chaos too, like the dish rack falling on us after a long day (truly the cherry on top). And those first few batches of donuts weren’t exactly picture perfect. But thanks to overwhelming community support, encouragement from friends and family, and a whole lot of grit, we’ve managed to work through every challenge that’s come our way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Dear Donut is all about custom-made, made-to-order donuts. While we specialize in cake donuts, we also offer yeast donuts, long johns, bismarcks, pershings, apple fritters, and a rotating flavor of the day, pretty much every day we’re open.
What sets us apart is the ability to build your perfect donut. We currently have 16 frostings and drizzles, 25+ toppings, and 9 filling options. Every long john and Bismarck is filled by hand.
Want an apple-filled, marshmallow-fluff-topped donut with crushed Reese’s and a maple drizzle? We can – and do – make that happen.
We’re proud to be known for quality, creativity, and great customer service. We may not be a big chain, but we have something they don’t: personality, care, and donuts you can’t get anywhere else. We’ve built a strong local following, and we’re so grateful for the support and kind words from our customers. That community connection is what keeps us going and what truly makes The Dear Donut special.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are the long, carefree days spent outside with the neighborhood kids. We were always on the move – playing on the trampoline, splashing in the pool, riding bikes everywhere, and walking to the park or the corner store for snacks. We were those kids who didn’t head home until the streetlights came on. There was such a sense of freedom and fun in just being outside, exploring and making our own adventures.
Pricing:
- Classics – $2.00 (Glaze, Cinnamon Sugar, Powd. Cinnamon Sugar, Powd. Sugar)
- Specialty – $3.00 (Precious Picks, Create Your Own, Apple Fritters, Pershings)
- Hand Filled – $3.50 (Filled Donuts)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheDearDonut.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeardonut?igsh=YTh0amVsY3hrcXU1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16W3drCqtf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
