After months of preparation, a family with decades of experience in the doughnut business is on the verge of opening a new café in the space once occupied by Blue Dot Donuts on Canal Street in Mid-City. The former doughnut shop closed its doors in August, but the new owner, Thomas Matthews, is preparing to launch Not Another Donut Cafe on December 14.
For Matthews and his family, this café represents a dream that has been 20 years in the making. Several members of Matthews’ family have worked in doughnut shops across New Orleans, and the treat has always been a central part of his life. Matthews recalls how his uncle would bring leftover doughnuts to his house at the end of the day instead of throwing them away. “My parents had the most kids in the family, and we’d freeze the doughnuts. Then, before school, we’d microwave them, drink some milk, and head off to school,” Matthews said.
In 2018, Matthews’ vision for opening his own shop began to take shape when he discovered Blue Dot Donuts and met its owner, Zach Menicucci. Matthews, along with his brothers, started experimenting with their own doughnut-making techniques and began searching for the perfect location. “I have a family of bakers, cutters, and fryers, and they still do it to this day,” Matthews said. “Six years ago, I thought, ‘Why don’t we do our own thing?’”
Matthews quickly shared his interest in the business with Menicucci, letting him know that he would be interested in purchasing Blue Dot if the opportunity ever arose. When Menicucci decided to close the shop earlier this year, Matthews seized the chance to move forward with his plans.
Now, after years of perfecting their family recipe, Matthews is confident that the doughnuts at Not Another Donut Cafe will stand out. “There won’t be another doughnut like ours,” he promised. In addition to the signature doughnuts, Matthews plans to offer glazed beignets, breakfast plates, sandwiches, and kolaches. He will also sell fan favorites like apple fritters and maple bacon bars, which were especially popular at Blue Dot.
The Matthews family is excited to share their passion for doughnuts with the community, and they are eager to bring a new flavor to the heart of Mid-City.
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