A gift from a friend—a used mini doughnut machine—set the stage for Ronald and Marci Razete to launch Peace Love and Little Donuts in 2009. Starting in a small space in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, the company has since expanded to more than 20 locations across 11 states, including one at the Grove City Premium Outlets, about an hour from Erie.
Now, fans of the funky doughnut chain won’t have to drive as far. James Marshall and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Stull, both from Harborcreek Township, are set to open a new Peace Love and Little Donuts location at Kearsarge Plaza in Millcreek Township. The shop will be located on Peach Street, directly across from St. George Roman Catholic Church.
Millcreek Township issued a building permit for the new location on September 3. A work crew was spotted at the site on Tuesday, and Marshall expects to open the store around December 16.
A Doughnut Chain with a Unique Twist
What makes Peace Love and Little Donuts stand out is its distinctive theme and wide range of creative flavors. The store’s sign, which is already hanging outside, uses symbols for peace, love, and doughnuts instead of words. The company encourages customers to “find your inner hippie.”
Marshall, who has a background in restaurant management, said his family tried the doughnuts at locations in Grove City and Pittsburgh before deciding to buy a franchise. “The kids really liked them. It’s like a ‘70s theme, and the doughnuts are really good,” he said.
The doughnuts, which are made fresh and to order, are sold in various sizes: two-packs, six-packs, 12-packs, and even bulk orders of three dozen or more. The selection is divided into three categories: “groovy” (basic options like glazed and sugar-coated doughnuts), “far-out” (doughnuts topped with various frostings), and the most elaborate “funkadelic” flavors, which include blueberry pancake, cinnamon roll, fruity pie, and lemon blueberry.
Excitement Growing in Erie
Marshall is confident that the new location will be a hit with Erie residents. The shop will be situated next to the new Associated Clinical Laboratories office. “I think it’s going to go over well,” said Marshall, who plans to hire around 10 people for the new store. His son is particularly fond of the maple bacon doughnuts, and Marshall hopes others in Erie will enjoy them too.
Sherry Bauer, leasing agent for Kearsarge Plaza, shares Marshall’s optimism. “It’s going to go really well,” she said. “We are really excited about it.”
With its groovy, far-out, and funkadelic doughnuts, Peace Love and Little Donuts is sure to add some sweetness and fun to Erie this winter.
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