Starting Friday, Columbia can get its taste of Duck Donuts when the shop opens in its 1,800-square-foot space in the Whole Foods-anchored Cross Hill Market shopping center.
Duck originated in the Outer Banks and has grown to more than 40 locations in 10 states with more than a dozen more scheduled to open this year.
“What makes Duck Donuts unique is that the franchise company specializes in warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts,” said Kristin Kellum, public relations director for the chain. “Upon entering the store, customers are welcomed with the aroma of warm, light vanilla cake donuts. Customers can choose from a variety of topping combinations, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with bacon. The family-friendly stores offer a viewing area where children and adults alike can watch their donuts being made.”
Founder Russ DiGilio opened the first two Duck Donuts in Duck, N.C. and Kitty Hawk, N.C., in 2007. A Pennsylvania native, DiGilio grew up in Pennsylvania but summered in the Outer Banks and realized during his visits that the area could use a good donut shop.
“What started out as a whim, a far-fetched idea, a fun project, about 10 years ago, has turned into an exciting adventure,” DiGilio says in a statement on the Duck Donuts website, duckdonuts.com. “After months of investigation, recipe trials and some collaborative workings with local merchants, my partner at the time, Robin Griffith, and I developed the answer: Duck Donuts.”
At Duck Donuts every order is made at time of purchase. All of the vanilla cake donuts are made with five ingredients: wheat and corn flour, soybean oil, nonfat dry milk, egg yolks and beta carotene. When the donut comes out of the deep fryer (which is filled with a soy-based shortening), customers select the toppings and coatings — such as coconut or peanut butter — and the donut is immediately dipped in them. A made-to-order box of a dozen averages $14.
After three days of a soft opening period and abbreviated hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Duck Donuts will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Monday.
This story was originally published July 12, 2017 5:06 PM.