Sue and Tre Dabney: From Amazon to Chickenbutt Donuts.
Sue and Tre Dabney, with a combined 30 years of experience in the service industry, embarked on a new journey in 2018 by opening Chickenbutt Donuts. Previously employed at Amazon for five years, Sue felt it was time for a change. After considering options between a donut shop and an ice cream parlor, the Dabneys chose donuts due to a lack of such businesses in Chapin.
“We purchased a donut machine from eBay using our tax return money,” Sue Dabney recalled. “We spent a year perfecting our recipe in our garage and brainstorming ideas.” In June 2018, they spotted a “For Lease” sign at their current location. Tre Dabney’s spontaneous suggestion to seize the opportunity led them to open their business later that year.
With guidance and support from their supplier, Dawn Foods, and extensive practice, Chickenbutt Donuts began serving the community in November 2018. Since then, the Dabneys have delighted customers with their donuts and have remained committed to community support.
Chickenbutt Donuts donates over 2,000 pounds of donuts annually to the We Care Center in Chapin. They also support the Lexington-Richland School District Five and other local entities like Bart’s Coffee and the Chapin Woman’s Club. “We cherish our community—Chapin, White Rock, Ballentine, Irmo, and Lexington. It’s clear that locals support each other here,” Sue Dabney said.
The menu at Chickenbutt Donuts caters to all tastes, featuring best-sellers like maple bacon and seasonal flavors such as pecan pie. The Dabneys pride themselves on their handcrafted products and efficient service. Customers can enjoy anything from a simple cinnamon sugar donut to elaborate creations with toppings like mini M&Ms, Reese’s crumbles, and caramel drizzle. “We can customize any donut, or customers can choose from our menu of pre-imagined options and box deals,” Sue explained.
Daily offerings include fresh vanilla cake donuts and rotating seasonal flavors like apple cider, pumpkin spice, and gingerbread. “Our cake donuts are known for their fluffiness and light crisp exterior,” Sue noted. Apple fritters and pershings, a yeast-raised donut with a cinnamon swirl, are also popular items.
Chickenbutt Donuts has gained popularity beyond Chapin, attracting travelers and local patrons alike. The shop is celebrated not just for its donuts but also for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.
Tre Dabney’s humor has contributed significantly to their success. His playful social media posts, especially about Oreo, a neighborhood cat, have gained substantial attention. One viral post was even featured on The Dodo and discussed on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Tre’s sense of humor was also behind the shop’s unique name. Sue shared, “Our kids once ran into the room excitedly shouting ‘Chickenbutt!’ Tre thought it was funny, and Chickenbutt Donuts was born. He drew the logo, and the rest is history.”
Chickenbutt Donuts continues to delight and engage its community, blending delicious treats with a touch of humor.