Gulf Shores residents and visitors have seen the sign and construction for far too long, but the wait is nearly over. Parlor Doughnuts will open its doors in just a few weeks.
Michael Bush isn't …
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Gulf Shores residents and visitors have seen the sign and construction for far too long, but the wait is nearly over. Parlor Doughnuts will open its doors in just a few weeks.
Michael Bush isn't new to the sweeter side of the culinary world (he owns Scoops just across the street), but he will be the first to say that doughnuts have never been something he would choose. That is until he tried his first Parlor Doughnut. When it became a weekly habit, he knew they were something special.
His first encounter with Parlor Doughnuts was in 30A. Bush was there opening a business and his brother was on vacation. His brother had a box of Parlor Doughnuts and tried really hard to get Bush to try one, but he wouldn't budge. To him, they looked like a cake doughnut, which he does not enjoy. He passed.
"A couple of months later, one opens in my hometown of Pensacola. Kimberly (Pemberton, the regional manager for all Bush's businesses) had mentioned them before, and I was like 'all right, I have to try these things. They have a line out the door, and I have to see what all the hype is about,'" Bush said. "I go in and get a couple, and I bring them home for me and my wife, and it was like a game changer. It was the best thing I have ever had as far as desert. I would eat these every day because they are good to me."
Parlor Doughnuts is a young franchise brand that got its start in Evansville, Indiana, in 2019. The brand has franchises in 17 states and is growing rapidly.
In general, there are two types of doughnuts: the yeast doughnut known for its light and airy texture and the cake doughnut known for its dense cakey texture. Parlor Doughnuts brings a new type to the mix with its layered doughnut.
The Parlor Doughnuts website describes "our proprietary product with layers of buttery dough fried to be crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. A wide range of toppings are available. Small batches are made fresh all day."
While the Gulf Shores location is not ready to make doughnuts, Bush was kind enough to pick some up in Pensacola to sample during. As a doughnut lover, these got my seal of approval. While there were 12 flavors, I sampled the maple pecan, honey glazed, blueberry hill and strawberry shortcake. They were all delicious and not overly sweet.
"It is more than good. They are something special. Every week I was going and getting two doughnuts," Bush said. "I jumped in because I believe in it enough."
The buildout on the Gulf Shores location has taken a year and a half. Walking in, you would never imagine the building once housed a chain pizza restaurant.
"In today's world, hospitality has a very different meaning. It is kind of hard to come by genuinely nice people who also have a product they care about," said Kata Kuch, general manager. "Every Parlor that we visited from when we were in Indiana or in the area, everyone is just so kind. When there is a product that you truly believe in, it makes it so much easier to make suggestions and genuinely engage with guests."
Kuch went on to explain that the name is a reference to the days when the parlor of the home was where you welcomed guests and the family would gather. The brand wants all the stores to have a feel that makes people want to stay and hang out.
If you love a doughnut but have restrictions, you are in luck. Regional Manager Kimberly Pemberton said the menu features keto doughnuts and a vegan and gluten-friendly option. If you have a four-legged breakfast companion, there are even dog doughnuts.
Something a little unique to the Parlor franchise is that each location creates two unique flavors that are a tribute to the shop's local community and feature flavors inspired by local landmarks, culture or traditions. Bush, Pemberton and Kuch are hoping the community will give them some ideas on what the Gulf Shores flavors should be. Email melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com with your ideas, and I will share them with the Parlor Doughnuts team.
Barring any last-minute hurdles or delays, the Parlor Doughnuts – Gulf Shores team is hoping to open Saturday, May 11. Follow the Parlor Doughnuts – Gulf Shores Facebook page for updates.
On opening day, Pemberton said Parlor Doughnuts offers a promotion of a free doughnut and the store is planning for a fun morning with a local radio station on-site.
One last unique aspect is Parlor Doughnuts stays open late. Typical store hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but Bush is hoping to stay open even later during the high tourist season. Pemberton said they will wait until they get open and running before extending hours.
For more information on the brand, visit www.parlordoughnuts.com.
Parlor Doughnuts – Gulf Shores is at 600 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores.
