There’s no arguing that ice cream is the official treat of summertime. But like it or not, we’re fast approaching fall. We nominate doughnuts as the official dessert of that season. And, just in time, Doughnuttery, a New York City-based chain, is opening its first link in Virginia, courtesy of two local franchisees.
Entrepreneurs and mothers Leyla Khater and Katherine Ronckovitz, relatives by marriage who already own a Tropical Smoothie Cafe together in Alexandria, originally planned to debut their kiosk in the Tysons Corner Center in March. “We were waiting to get a permit. The county had done all their reviews, then bam! Everything shut down,” recalls Ronckovitz.
“The world shut down,” adds Khater.
The Doughnuttery owners were finally able to get their permit in June. But the owner of the company in charge of fabricating the kiosk came down with COVID-19 and that process was halted.
With everything finally in place, Khater and Ronckovitz are able to prepare for a Saturday, Aug. 8 grand opening, even if it’s not quite as grand as originally planned. “We had events we wanted to host and events we wanted to attend,” says Khater. That will have to wait, along with what they were expecting to be a busy catering side to the Doughnuttery’s business. Sampling won’t be a part of the plan any more either.
But that likely won’t stop customers from digging into the brand’s doughnuts. The mini doughnuts are fried to order. Then, when they’re hot and fresh, staffers dress them in the customer’s choice of sugar. Khater and Ronckovitz say that they have around 25 flavors at the ready. Those include basics like cinnamon sugar, apple cider or powdered sugar, but also some eccentric combinations. One of their favorites is the Spicy Rooster, flavored with Sriracha, lime and maple. Flower Power has hibiscus, honey and rose petals. Maple, purple potatoes and bacon are the ingredients that combine to make the Purple Pig.
For those wary about eating their doughnuts at the mall, there will be Maker Boxes, which will allow customers to try their choice of dips (including beer caramel and raspberry balsamic) and sprinkles at home. That way, everyone can enjoy hot, fresh doughnuts soon. // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
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