Aug. 26, 2024

The new bakery cases in the old Hardee’s building on East 10th Street are filled at 5 a.m. every day now with glazed and cake doughnuts, twists, bear claws, long johns and apple fritters.

The second location for Mr. Donuts opened Saturday at 1010 E. 10th St., taking advantage of the larger kitchen to shift baking for wholesale accounts there.

The larger dining room also provides more room for groups to gather, including field trips for day care kids who will be able to enjoy a play space, said Stev Meas, who owns the business with his wife, Chenda Chou. She’s the artist behind the bakery’s decorated doughnuts.

They kept the booths and some of the tables and chairs, with seating for more than 50 customers. Those who like to gather for coffee can enjoy fresh ground beans, Meas said. There’s also a cappuccino machine, and a cooler stocked with milk, juice, sodas and energy drinks.

Morning commuters can use the drive-thru to place and pick up orders.

Meas, who emigrated from Cambodia to the U.S. in 2005, said he learned to bake doughnuts and pastries, including French crullers, in California and Texas. He was operating a business in Missouri when he learned about the opportunity to buy the Sioux Falls doughnut shop. He took it over two years ago, changing all the recipes to the ones he has learned while baking.

“I like the people over here; they’re nice,” he said. “They help me a lot, and they like my doughnut. Thank you, for my customer.”

With the new location will come a new treat: mochi, a Japanese doughnut that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Flavors will include vanilla, chocolate, raspberry and maple.

In addition to all the sweet treats, Mr. Donuts serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches on croissants and bagels. It also makes Texas kolaches, a hot dog-sized cheddar sausage that’s wrapped in sweet dough and baked. There’s also a jalapeno cheddar sausage version.

Hours for the doughnut shop are 5 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday and 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday — the same as the original location at 1100 S. Minnesota Ave.