Long Hem, a native of Cambodia, is set to open his 10th Master Donuts location on Thursday, August 8, in Houston.
Master Donuts, which also has locations in Salem and Rolla, began in Arkansas in 2012. This was after Hem worked for his brother, who also owns doughnut shops. The business expanded to Missouri in 2016. Hem graduated in 2008 with a master’s degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University. His father was the Cambodian ambassador to the European Union.
“When I started, I thought it would be a temporary job,” Hem said. “But after getting into doughnuts and interacting with happy customers every day, I fell in love with it.”“A Houston resident was crucial in getting us to town,” Hem noted. “She visited our shop several times in Rolla and kept asking if we could come to Houston. After several visits, we are excited to be here.”
The new Houston franchise, located at 1488 S. Sam Houston Blvd., will be operated by Hem and his sister, Rose. It will feature the same simple menu as his other locations, including their signature maple bacon doughnuts. “We take pride in making our products from scratch every day,” Hem stated. “Our menu will include doughnuts, kolaches, long johns, apple fritters, breakfast sandwiches, and drinks, among other items.”
The store will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon.
Hem is known for his long working hours, starting his day at 10:30 p.m. and sleeping from 2 to 7 p.m. He lives in Rolla with his wife Diravy and their children, Sambath, 7, and Emmany, 5.