A new doughnut shop specializing in “layered doughnuts” — a doughnut-croissant hybrid known as a “cronut” — is coming to Wichita. Three partners have announced their collaboration to introduce the Indiana-based chain Parlor Doughnuts to the city. While the exact location is still being finalized, the first shop is set to open on Wichita’s west side.
Parlor Doughnuts, which has over 50 locations nationwide and more in development, offers more than two dozen flavors of layered doughnuts. The menu also includes coffee drinks and breakfast items such as acai bowls, avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and breakfast sandwiches. However, the main attraction remains the doughnuts. When the first Parlor opened in 2019, it was primarily a coffee shop. The doughnuts, featuring a flaky exterior, soft interior, and various toppings, quickly became the star of the business. Popular flavors include French toast, maple bacon, cookies n’ cream, peanut butter cup, churro, and raspberry pistachio. The shop always has at least a dozen standard flavors, with seasonal offerings rotating in and out.
In addition to their regular doughnuts, Parlor Doughnuts also offers keto- and gluten-friendly options, as well as doughnuts made specifically for dogs.
The partners behind the Wichita venture are Craig Young from Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Jesus Diaz from Kansas City; and Byron Smith, a local real estate and equity investor. Young and Diaz are longtime friends, and Diaz also has a friendship with Smith. Young first encountered Parlor Doughnuts at a catered event in Milwaukee and was impressed. “I was very excited about the brand and the support they offer to franchisees,” he said. “The product’s consistency and innovation stood out to me.” After returning to Florida, Young researched the chain and decided to reach out to Diaz. They agreed that Wichita would be a promising market for the brand. Diaz emphasized the importance of local ownership and brought Smith, who specializes in housing for homeless veterans, into the project. “Wichita is booming right now,” Diaz said. “This seemed like a no-brainer. Wichita is a great community, and Parlor is a great brand.” The partners plan to open multiple Parlor Doughnut stores in Wichita, with the first one expected to open this year. They believe the area could support up to three locations.
The trio is close to finalizing the first address, aiming for a property that could include a drive-through, depending on the location. They appreciated Parlor’s community-focused atmosphere. Diaz noted that during his visit to a Parlor Doughnuts in Florida, it felt like a special place where people gathered. “Ever since COVID, most places are call-in or drive-through, but no one’s inside,” Diaz said. “Parlor felt like part of the community, a place where people were hanging out.”
According to Parlor Doughnuts’ website, Lawrence is also set to get a new shop, though the Wichita franchisees are not involved in that location.