After more than a decade of serving delectable treats to downtown patrons, Glazed Gourmet Donuts is bidding farewell for good. Founded by Allison Smith, the shop has garnered a loyal following over the years, becoming a cherished establishment within the community.
During a recent visit to the establishment, News 2 had the opportunity to speak with Mary Smith, Allison’s mother and the shop’s founder. Mary shared that in the days leading up to the final closure on Wednesday, the shop has been bustling with activity, as patrons from near and far flock to show their support. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, with some customers even making special trips to visit before the doors close for the last time.
As anticipation mounted, a long line formed outside the shop half an hour before its final opening, a testament to the affection the community holds for Glazed Gourmet Donuts. Reflecting on the decision to close, Mary attributed it to her daughter Allison, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 34. Despite efforts to maintain operations in Allison’s memory over the past year, Mary acknowledged that Allison was the driving force behind the shop’s success, making it difficult to carry on without her passion and dedication.
In a poignant social media post announcing the closure, the sentiment was echoed: “But a business like this is a labor of love, if you lose that passion, it is difficult to continue.” The response from the community following the announcement has been heartfelt, with an outpouring of support not only for the shop but also for Allison’s memory.
In a candid conversation with News 2, Mary expressed the emotional toll of leaving Glazed Gourmet Donuts behind. “It’s going to be very tough, extremely tough,” she confided. “I was the one she first presented the idea to, on that rainy Monday morning in 2011, and I’m going to be the last one to walk out of here Wednesday, for her,” Mary added, underscoring the deep personal connection to the shop.
Grateful for the overwhelming support from the community, Mary expressed her appreciation as she recounted the busy final days of business, culminating in a sold-out weekend of donut sales. As Glazed Gourmet Donuts prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of warmth, community, and the enduring spirit of its founder, Allison Smith.