If you haven’t stopped by Parlor Doughnuts in Avon, be prepared to see a level of creativity unmatched in other doughnut shops.
It all began just over five years ago in Evansville, and today Parlor Doughnuts is home to 70 locations across the country, including Indianapolis.
On November 30 the company opened one of the newest locations in Avon, a longtime goal of Tanner Bell, owner of the Avon location.
He was there when it all began.
The unique doughnut shop was founded by Darrick Hayden in partnership with Josh Tudela in 2019. Hayden had the opportunity to travel with his son’s band for several years, and everywhere they went, he made it a mission to seek out the best coffee and doughnuts.
“Darrick, our pastor at our church, had the idea,” said Bell. “He suggested a fancier doughnut. We combined it with our friend Noah’s coffee business and operated out of 700 square feet in the back of a restaurant.”
Back then, getting Parlor Doughnuts off the ground with a young group of church friends included a lot of trial and error, but it’s safe to say the team is now hitting their stride.
“It started out by making doughnuts and just figuring it out,” said Bell. “The spark caught on in Evansville. It took off and people loved it. We had so much positive backing, we were able to get a much larger shop and then began taking it beyond our hometown. It’s exciting to see how many people have bought into this vision. Our franchises are in nearly all states across the country. It’s just been an explosion.”
For Bell, after helping launch shops in Florida for three years, he made his way back to Indiana and opened his own franchise in Hendricks County.
“I started on the ground level and learned how to lead and manage along the way,” said Bell. “We developed all of our systems from the ground up. As you faced a problem, you came up with a solution.”
Why Avon?
Bell said he’s always had his eye on the area. In fact, Avon was the second location they looked into. However, at the time, development in Avon was booming and they couldn’t get in the door.
“It worked out for the better, but we always wanted to come back to Avon,” Bell said. “We love the community.”
They came up with the name Parlor Doughnuts when thinking about the parlors of the past – the rooms in houses where the community gathered, families were comfortable and connections were made.
The interior of each shop is designed with a parlor setting and comfort in mind, including plenty of couches and additional seating. They want families, co-workers and individuals to stop by and stay awhile. Bell said they’re continuing to improve, adding more inviting furniture as they go.
The doughnuts are perhaps the most striking, and were created by Hayden and his wife, Jennifer.
They began by letting customers choose their own flavors and combinations on each doughnut, but customizing one doughnut at a time proved to be too time consuming. Instead, they chose two-dozen assorted flavors, including already established fan favorites. They fry the doughnuts in small batches and then top them with a variety that might surprise you. French Toast, Carnival, Maple Bacon, Campfire, Bourbon Caramel and others are unique combinations that customers have discovered.
Many are vegan and gluten friendly, as well as keto friendly, and they add in seasonal offerings throughout the year. There’s even the Doggie Doughnut for our four-legged family members, and that’s not all.
“We also have a full breakfast menu open all day with coffee, and some unique options like the Açai Bowl, Bacon Breakfast Tacos and Spinach Pesto,” Bell said.
Hendricks County residents are starting to make Parlor Doughnuts a go-to stop on the way to work or on a relaxing weekend, and Bell said the additions to the breakfast menu are a great way to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
“In the beginning I think there’s surprise,” Bell said. “This is a new, unique concept. They love it and they’re intrigued, and then in phase two they used to come for doughnuts. Now they’re stopping by for that full coffee menu and full breakfast menu.”
Up next, the drive-through has just been installed, providing one more convenience for doughnut lovers on the go. As the weather warms, Bell hopes more people will check it out as they continue to grow a following.
“We’re on the path of expansion,” Bell said. “We’ve talked about expanding the menu but nothing is officially in the works yet. For Hendricks County, we’re looking. We want to move into other areas and continue to serve the community.”
Parlor Doughnuts is located at 5201 East U.S. Highway 36 in Avon. Visit parlordoughnuts.com for more information.
