Donuts Delite West Temporarily Closes Due to Staffing Challenges.
Donuts Delite West, located at 674 W. Ridge Road near Bernice Street, is currently closed. The owner, Salvatore Fantauzzo, who also operates the Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria chain, cited severe staffing issues as the reason for the closure.
“Like many businesses across America, we are struggling to find enough staff,” Fantauzzo said. He explained that franchisee Nick Semeraro, who manages both the West location and the original Donuts Delite at Culver Road and Empire Boulevard, has been unable to hire overnight bakers and fill other essential roles needed to operate a doughnut shop that opens at 6 a.m.
“He has invested a lot of time and money into this business and has put his heart into it,” Fantauzzo added. “But it has been a nightmare trying to find help. Our decision is to focus on the original location, which is a well-known Rochester landmark and a profitable venture.”
Fantauzzo mentioned that they have several ideas to address the staffing crisis, including reaching out to former employees for assistance.
At this moment, however, the shop remains dark.
Donuts Delite West first opened in March 2022. Before it became a doughnut shop, the space housed the Dog House pub, which was renovated for the new business. Interestingly, this building was originally home to a doughnut shop owned by Murray Simpson, one of the original founders of Donuts Delite.
Fantauzzo purchased Donuts Delite from founder James Malley in 2009, after it closed following nearly 50 years of operation. Although Dunkin’ Donuts and Walgreens showed interest in the property, Malley sold it to Fantauzzo because he wanted to preserve the building rather than see it demolished by national chains.
Fantauzzo reopened the business in 2010, transforming it into a combination doughnut shop and pizzeria.
Related topics: