New Times reported that Mojo Donuts, a beloved doughnut shop with locations across Miami, would close its three Miami stores on November 15. The news shocked fans of the shop, who immediately voiced their disappointment on social media. One commenter expressed, “We’re heartbroken to hear that Mojo Donuts will be closing their Miami-Dade locations. For eight years, they brought so much joy and flavor to our community with their fun and creative doughnuts. Thank you for all the sweet memories, Mojo Donut — you will truly be missed!”
Jimmy Piedrahita, the former owner of Mojo Donuts, who had introduced the popular doughnuts from Broward County to Miami-Dade in 2016, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. He received hundreds of calls, texts, and messages, many from fans asking how they could help.
However, it wasn’t just customers who were disappointed. Local business owners also reacted to the closure. Bobby Palushaj and his sister Kat, founders of the Hollywood Donut Factory in Broward County, were equally surprised by the announcement.
“I had heard great things about Jimmy, but we had never met in person,” said Palushaj. “When he told me Mojo Donuts was closing, I was shocked. They have such a good brand and a great product. I couldn’t believe it. But after meeting Jimmy and seeing how much he cared about his team, I knew I had to help.”
Determined to save Mojo’s Miami locations, Palushaj and his sister decided to step in and take over. Their move ensured that more than 20 employees at Mojo Donuts, including drivers and cleaning staff, kept their jobs across the three Miami locations — Bird Road, Coral Gables, and Kendall. “I’ve already had people tell me, ‘Thank you, you’ve saved my life,'” Palushaj said. “Their jobs meant everything to them, and now they still have them.”
With the ownership change, the Hollywood Donut Factory expanded its offerings. In addition to Mojo’s signature doughnuts, customers can now enjoy a wider menu, including bagels, croissants, muffins, and breakfast items. The doughnuts are also larger and more affordable, all while maintaining the same quality and values Mojo Donuts was known for.
“Bobby has not only saved the business, but he’s taken it to the next level,” Piedrahita said. “Now, people can enjoy breakfast, coffee, espresso, cafecito, muffins, and even bagels at the Hollywood Donut Factory.”
Palushaj, who was born and raised in New York City, has always had a deep love for food. His mother often made fresh bread and treats for their large family, which fostered his passion for the food business. After purchasing Dandee Donuts in Hollywood, Florida, Palushaj rebranded it as the Hollywood Donut Factory, which now boasts two successful locations in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.
The Hollywood Donut Factory’s takeover of Mojo Donuts marks a new chapter for the beloved doughnut brand in Miami. Palushaj is already looking to partner with local organizations and charities to give back to the community. “If we have extra products, we want to donate them to local churches and organizations,” he said. “We hope to always sell out, but if we don’t, we want to make sure the community benefits.”
While the Hollywood Donut Factory is expanding, it remains a family-owned business at heart. “Everyone who walks into the Hollywood Donut Factory is a customer, but we want them to leave feeling like family,” Palushaj said.
For those interested in partnering with the Hollywood Donut Factory or learning more about its community efforts, Palushaj encourages people to reach out via the contact form on their website.
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