Serenaa V.
Yelp
This place has mended my decade long grudge and I am not mad about it at all. I remember back in the day as a kid, I used to always pass by this place but never tried it. Then one night while my younger sister and I were out on an evening bike ride, she fell off her bike right in front of the business and knocked her front tooth out. I ran into this donut place and crying and desperately begging for napkins but they refused to give me any unless I bought something first. I was a kid with no money yet they still refused until I made a purchase. I remember having to run across the street and get some from another business. Although I was only around 12 at the time, I kept that memory with me for years and even as an adult, I refused to support them.
Fast forward to last week. It was late at night and my husband had a sudden urge for donuts. We drove to two other places in Riverside to try to get some donuts but one barely had anything left and the other sold us donuts that were really stale and just tasted old. They were "okay" but really not what we were wanting so we decided to keep going with our donut hunt.
With this being the last place open, I was kind of upset. After going back and forth, I told my husband he could go in and get some but I won't be having any because I was still holding a 15 year grudge lol. He told me that he heard that they have changed owners within the past few years and to give them a try. I decided to just go inside with him to look with no intentions of getting something for myself.
I had low expectations since we weren't having much luck that night. But as soon as I walked in, the older gentlemen working greeted us with a huge smile and told us welcome in. I smiled and said hello but in my head I was joking, "Where was this hospitality all those years ago?" haha.
We ended up looking at their selection and I was actually really surprised at how many different types of donuts that they had. Everything looked really fresh, clean, and well put together. My husband decided to order a few donuts for himself and when he was finished, the older man turned to me and asked what I was getting. I said I was alright and I'll pass this time. He said nothing but just stood there and smiled at me. I smiled back awkwardly and he giggled. Finally, I caved. I decided to get two donuts and he kindly threw in a free one for each of us. We talked about how our nights were going and small talk here and there. He was probably one of the nicest employees I have come across in such a long time and his energy was so welcoming.
We walked out smiling but I left feeling so awful for holding such a terrible grudge for all of those years. Maybe they have new owners or maybe they are the same and changed? I know it is so petty and silly for not wanting to return, but I was just trying to have my sisters back. That incident really traumatized her but it's nice to know that this simple interaction with this employee changed my outlook on this donut shop.
While the service was great, the donuts were even better. I got exactly what I wanted and it was really good too! Very soft on the inside but crunchy on the outside. You could tell they do not serve stale food and take pride in their place! I will definitely be returning. I guess this should serve as a reminder to give our second chances because you never know where they will lead you. :)
