Word is beginning to spread now about the recent closing of one of Downtown Waukesha’s brighter gems- The Donut Shoppe.
However, that word hasn’t exactly made it to those affected by it most.
Yesterday, a man was at the door of the shop, peering inside, obviously upset at the fact they were closed. Turns out he had a good reason- he was there to pick up his order- an order that was supposed to ready at 7:30.
I watched out the window as car after car drove by and person after person tugged at the door.
The fact they closed so abruptly was strange enough. They didn’t tell their customers and it was a surprise to their employees.
However, this morning, a dairy truck showed up to make a delivery. They seemed perplexed by the dark windows and locked doors.
The delivery guys don’t know?
Weird!
Not to mention the local coffee shop that relied on The Donut Shoppe for their bread for the last several years. They, too, were not notified. Turns out the recipe for that bread is not going to be shared either.
Real weird!
The Donut Shoppe was a popular spot for weekday office workers as well as weekend tourists.
I know of a certain Art School Downtown that has a Saturday morning student population that will be beside themselves this weekend when there are no donuts (actually, maybe class will be a little calmer on Saturday without all the sugar running through their veins).
Sunday morning Ham and Rolls are a tradition with many here, and the Donut Shoppe had the best around.
Personally, I will miss the smell of fresh donuts that wafted up toward our porch early in the morning. The morning greeting from the bakers who sat out back on break. And the families that sat on the curbs and benches around West Main, laughing and enjoying the day over sprinkle covered donuts.
The squirrels are going to miss that, too. Left-over donuts have become a staple of their existence.
My history with The Donut Shoppe only goes back a couple of years. However, in those two years I have overheard more than one backyard conversation between the many employees of the shop, usually while they are venting their frustrations about upper management.
While complaints of bad management are nothing new in today’s workplace, the problems always seem to have been centered around the same individual. Baker after baker, manager after manager, employee after employee- all fed up over the same issues.
Just an observation, folks. I can’t help it, they are my neighbors and they talk loudly- especially when they are upset.
There seem to be a lot of unanswered questions regarding this matter. Perhaps some light will be shed on the situation within the next few days.
It’s unfortunate that an establishment with such a great product can’t get their act together well enough to stay in business and continue to benefit our Downtown.
Does anyone out there know how to run a donut shop?
