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Delectables with Dan: Dan Interviews PVDonuts


I had so many of you guys tell me to check out PVDonuts while I was in Providence that I just couldn't ignore the suggestion. I read up on some of the funky and fresh varieties that they do and despite not being that big into doughnuts, knew I had to check them out. I wanted to know more about the inspiration behind the shop and their amazing creations and I was lucky enough to be granted an interview!
An Interview with PVDoughnuts 
Today, I had a chance to sit own with lovely owner of PVDonuts, Lori, to talk doughnuts, business and flavour. I had a lovely time speaking with her and despite my semi-hangover managed to conduct the interview with only a few brain hangups. 

I love the idea of the changing menu, I started off with that build off from there.The shop is bright, cool and inviting. It’s a clash between the sea and forest vibes. The high ceiling is adorned with clam-shell like lamps and large windows draw in sunlight. It’s furnished with modern and comfortable tables, a sofa and little squish chairs. Cool, modern music cuts through the excited chatter of the shop and the smell of freshly baked doughnuts fill the air. The shop is so clean you could eat off the floor. A case featuring one of each doughnut on the menu greets you on the ordering counter.

Why did you decide to do a changing menu every month? 
We started changing with each week but it didn’t work out inventory wise, it was costly and a bit confusing.  We wanted to be able to bring new things to people, keep the creative juices flowing., so we switched it from weekly changes to monthly changes. It keeps people inters tested and gives them something to look forward to each month. It keeps things fun and fresh. It’s a real challenge to keep up with the month changes and seasonal changes. We really want to stand out and make them unique. We have people from all different backgrounds here, some with bakery experience and some without, it helps us to come up with other flavours and menu ideas. People love the menu changes! It’s crazy that before the next month starts, people are already asking about what the menu will be for the upcoming month! It's a real group project with the menus, which is not only fun but breeds creativity.

Why doughnuts? 
Whenever my husband and I travelled, we’d love to check out doughnuts and coming home there wasn’t anything really like special to come home to. I wanted to bring some creativity to the area and doughnuts really never go out of style. I started out of my house, making doughnuts and having my husband bring them to work, the gym and people really started to respond to them.

How do you get your flavour inspirations? 
We like to use the seasons, but it gets harder without holidays.  Summer makes you think of fruit, but like you can’t really do a whole fruit menu, and that really didn’t work out. We love to discuss ideas and take customer feedback. We look at other plated desserts and draw from that; how can we play with those things and turn them into doughnuts. We want them to be delicious and fun as well. 


Do you have a favourite flavour? 
Last months cinnamon bun doughnuts! It’s hard to have a favourite with the changing menu every month.  

Vegan? Gluten-Free? 
We like to have two on our menu a month, but we’re not really a vegan speciality. Its the same with gluten-free. It’s not something that we’re planning to focus on, but you never know. We wanted to be able to have something for everybody, but sometimes it can’t work out financially. It's the same with gluten-free. It's a real challenge to work with and it's not something that we're really looking to do. 

What was it like opening and owning your own business being so young? 

Opening my own business was totally a challenge. I had no idea what I was doing. It was a real step by step learning process, a complete guessing game. It was difficult, but it was so worth it. We didn’t get any loans, it’s all my own funds that I used to start this. We even maxed out our credit cards! It was great though when we moved to the location we had a lot of local artists help us with the artwork and design of the new spot. It’s been really community driven and that’s been awesome.  We really love to interact with our customers, we want to be transparent with everybody. Questions, comments and concerns are always welcome. We love to just have a good time and make it a welcoming environment. We want to make it a place where people can be themselves and enjoy. 

Are you looking to expand?
We have a few ideas, but we want to do it smartly and not overwhelming ourselves. 





I would like to thank Lori for her time and dealing with my fogged brain! I look forward to possible interviews in the future. I loved that she was open and honest about her struggles opening her own business, her plans regarding "speciality" doughnuts and how she supports local businesses. In the half hour that I spent with her discussing doughnuts, flavours and the issues with running a small business, it became apparent to me that she's destined for great success. I could tell from the moment she sat down across from me that she's passionate about what she does and I think that is why the products are so delicious, well-thought out and all around amazing.

I tried one of the Pumpkin Spice Latte doughnuts and fuck me-not only are they massive, but they are most, flavourful and rich in texture. It’s a true culinary masterpiece. I’ve got a few others to try but those will have to wait as one of these doughnuts has left me bursting!  You can find more information and menus from PVDonuts via their links below.


These survived the entire day with me on and off buses and travelling all around Providence! I loved the Pumpkin Spice one, the Cereal Milk with the Fruity Pebbles and I brought one back for my sister, I think it was the other Cereal Milk one that she had and she loved it. I know for sure that the next time I'm in Providence I'm heading here to try some of the new flavours Lori and her talented baking squad has come out with!










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Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA

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