Hello Donuts & Coffee to Close After Five Years Amidst Growing Competition.
Five years ago, Hello Donuts & Coffee opened in East Kensington, spearheaded by a group of music industry veterans with a passion for doughnuts. The shop was one of several new businesses that capitalized on developers’ promises to revitalize the neighborhood.
Co-owner Zack Zarrillo noted, “Coffee shops are a clear sign of a developing neighborhood, but now there’s one on nearly every corner.” Within a 10-minute walk from Hello Donuts & Coffee are several new establishments, including Fiore Fine Foods, Forin, Almost Home, Valerio, Vessel Coffee Collective, Sit Stay Coffee, and Cake & Joe. A bit further into Fishtown, additional spots like Encanto Kicks & Coffee, American Grammar, and Rowhome add to the competition.
The increasing number of coffee shops, combined with a decline in business and news that Hello’s landlord plans to sell the building, has led Zarrillo and his partners—Ben Walsh, Joe Marro, and Jess Barlow—to announce the café’s closure after December 1.
“It felt like the right time to go out with our heads held high,” Zarrillo said. Reflecting their musical background, he described the closure as a “farewell tour,” aiming to make the next three months a memorable experience.
The concept for Hello Donuts & Coffee began in 2017, inspired by Walsh and Marro’s love for doughnut shops they visited while touring. The shop initially operated as pop-ups before officially opening at the corner of Frankford Avenue and Amber Street in August 2019, with ReAnimator Coffee as an early partner.
Zarrillo expressed disappointment that the neighborhood had not evolved as quickly as they had hoped. “We envisioned the area feeling more like Fishtown or Northern Liberties by now, in terms of foot traffic and activity,” he said.
He also pointed out that COVID-19 impacted East Kensington’s momentum, even as new cafés and restaurants continue to open.
Despite the challenges, Zarrillo takes pride in the lasting relationships built with employees and customers. “We’ve seen people grow from single to married, to starting families. It’s been a remarkable journey,” he added. The team remains open to offers for the business as they prepare for their final months.