May 28, 2024

The newest Flyboy Donuts location is open and has a look unlike any other.

The store at Empire Place in front of The Empire Mall is located at the end of a retail center that includes Smoothie King and a future Hallmark store.

“We really tried to feature the old-school look of a doughnut parlor with aviation themes throughout, including a flight simulator that is coming in a few weeks,” owner Ben Duenwald said.

The hope is to “create a hangout spot for the mall crowd with plenty of seating and patio space,” he continued, adding he’s “very proud of the casual, old-school vibe we created with the help of Sarah Lavin, our professional designer.”

Diners will find features such as brass stanchions with a velvet rope, diner stools and parlor-style features similar to what was used in the 1920s and 1930s, he said.

There’s a tin ceiling, and the large exterior of a commercial plane shipped in from Florida will enclose the future flight simulator.

While there’s no drive-thru, the store includes curbside pickup options “as well as easy parking on the side for quick in and out to avoid congestion,” Duenwald said, adding he likes how the store is “very centrally located” and that it draws people from outside Sioux Falls.

“We can attract the customers to our brand for the first time and hopefully have them hang out while others shop.”

In addition to its signature doughnuts, there are breakfast sandwiches, espresso and brewed coffee drinks, as well as Orange Julius.

“We will plan on a lunch item incorporating doughnuts and likely (are) introducing Texas kolaches,” Duenwald added.

Hours for the new location are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Interested staff can apply through Indeed.com.