Yonutz vs. Donuts

We are all familiar with donuts. They are round, fried or baked cakes usually topped with a sweet topping or filled with a sweet treat, or both. They date back to ancient times. They are popular all over the world, with many different cultures. Most donuts have a hole in the center of the dough, which allow for them to cook more evenly, without overcooking, especially when frying in hot oil.

Donuts made their way to America in the 17th century when the Dutch came over, and have been popular ever since. By the mid-19th century, donuts had become an American food, and they were seen as a symbol of comfort, ingenuity, and delight.

But the donuts of today have definitely evolved from what they were in their humble beginnings. Today, donuts are seen as culinary works of art.

Yesterday, I was introduced to a completely new way of making donuts when I went to Yonutz! Donuts & Ice Cream.

Yonutz! Donuts & Ice Cream is a franchise specialty donut and ice cream shop that started in Miami, Florida. “Yonutz is a Gourmet Donut and Ice Cream Concept that combines the staples of Donuts and Ice Cream along with some amazing fantastical desserts“. They got their start in 2019, on the show Shark Tank, and have been popping up all over the United States ever since, with one of the newest locations popping up in Westminster, CO, literally just down the hill from where I live. It is proudly owned and operated by Brian Domann and his family.

I met with Brian yesterday and learned so much about Yonutz Donuts. Brian is a delightful person, and we had a great visit. One of the questions I asked him was how he got started in the donut business. I loved his answer. Brian told me “[he has] always loved both donuts and ice cream, but more than his love for donuts and ice cream, he loves to see happy people, and both donuts and ice cream spread happiness”. It doesn’t get much better than that! Just look at Brian’s smile. You can tell he loves what he does. 🙂

We’ve all seen ordinary donuts, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. We love them.

But why would we ever settle for ordinary when we can now have EXTRAODINARY?!!!!! Yonutz Donuts takes donut making to a whole new level.

They are not only famous for their donuts, but also for their smashed donuts and for their donut shakes too. Smashed donuts? Donut shakes? I had never heard of these before. But you can get them at Yonutz! and the come in a wide variety of flavors too. I met with Brian around 10:15 AM, and the donuts had already sold out. The donut makers were in the back, busy making more donuts and refilling the display case as fast as they could. Every few minutes, another tray of delectable treats made its way out to the donut case.

Donuts in general are snacks that are enjoyed at any time of day. But because Yonutz are considered more as desserts than breakfast, Brian said these sweet treats are more popular later in the day.

And these donuts are definitely meant to be shared. They are great for parties, and office parties, or any celebration where people gather together. More and more people are having donuts as part of their wedding celebrations too. In fact, at our nephew’s wedding, that was just celebrated last week, donuts were on the cake table too. The donut has definitely come a long way since it was first created many, many moons ago.

When it was time to say good-bye to Brian, I walked out with a dozen very creative and delicious donuts too. Larry is taking them to Kansas, to share with his family. Though we did have to sample one first, so only 11 are making their way to Hays this time. 🙂 We tried the Samoan donut, the 3rd one on the bottom with the toasted coconut and chocolate drizzles. OMG! YUM!!!!!!

Brian and the brand new Yonutz! Donuts & Ice Cream has been open now for about 4 months, but will be having their grand opening celebration on Saturday, January 4th. It will be an all day celebration, but the Chamber of Commerce will do the official ribbon cutting ceremony around 10:00 AM. Larry and I both are already planning on attending, and if you are in the area, you should too.

Yonutz! Donuts & Ice Cream is located at 1975 West 120th Avenue, #800, in Westminster, CO. Drop in and say hi, and take a Yonutz donut or two, or a dozen or so, home with you. If you want to order some to share, or to cater a party, feel free to give Brian a call at (303) 261-8381 or contact Brian online at westminsterco@yonutz.com. They are open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM. I guarantee, you’ve never had donuts like the ones you will get at Yonutz!

As Brian would say, “spread some happiness” today and everyday. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. ‘Til next time.