The Donut Bar Fort Wayne IN

We randomly chose The Donut Bar in Fort Wayne IN for breakfast during our brief stay there. I’m not even sure what drew me to it. Maybe it was on our way to Costco? But whatever it was, it was the absolute right choice!

Presenting the luscious Glazed Cinnamon Roll

The Donut Bar (not to be confused with franchise Donut Bar!) has only been opened since late August 2021. In that short period of time they’ve amassed a huge cult following. And with good reason.

Mother and daughter team of Jen O’Hara and Mercedes Taing, owners and creators of The Donut Bar, are dedicated to bringing you the best tasting donuts with some unique twists. And it’s those twists that set this pastry shop apart from the others.

Steve and I walked in to the pristine donut shop on a lovely summer day. The aroma of sugary delights hit us immediately. Suddenly we were famished. Each donut was more inviting than the next. But when we saw the pillowy glazed cinnamon rolls, we both knew that exactly what we craved.

A donut shop in a strip mall called The Donut Bar Fort Wayne IN

The Donut Bar Fort Wayne Indiana

Our amazing breakfast enjoyed al fresco in Fort Wayne IN

There was an empty table outside, so we grabbed it and enjoyed our cinnamon rolls al fresco. It just may have been the best cinnamon rolls we have ever tasted. And we have tasted many, many, many rolls of that ilk. In fact they were so good that we couldn’t stop with one. We actually made little piggies of ourselves and each devoured another one, savoring each and every bite.

I always love to know some of the history of a place that we visit, so I did a bit of research when we got back to Ladybug.

History

It seems like owning a donut shop is in Mercedes Tiang’s DNA. Her father has had a lot of donut shops in the Fort Wayne area. And now has continued his business in California. She worked with her dad in his donut places. So, she has practically been in the business her whole life. Which gave her the knowledge and drive to venture out on her own. Well, with her mom’s help.

Mercedes and her mom talked about opening a little boutique donut shop together forever. When the opportunity presented itself, they took the leap. In addition to all of the traditional cake and yeast donuts, they have weekly specialty donuts. But I think what really sets them apart is that they offer a custom bar, so that customers can add their own unique twist to the classics.

Pastry case filled with donuts at The Donut Bar Fort Wayne IN

Just one half of the many amazing donuts at The Donut Bar

Origins of the doughnut/donut

Do you ever ask yourself How did doughnuts/donuts get their name and what are their origins? Well I’ve pondered that on occasion.

Early Americans prepared these olykoeks regularly, until one day a woman added nuts to the dough before frying. Suddenly they became known as donuts!

But it seems that Captain Hanson Gregory (1832-1921) created the donut, as we know it, when he was a teenager. All he was doing was trying to feed a crew of sailors and ended up changing American culinary culture forever.

Menu and pastry case at The Donut Bar Fort Wayne IN

The Donut Bar Menu and a peek at the custom donut bar on the right.

Donut Holes

Now, if you want to know why donuts have a hole in the middle, there’s a very logical explanation. To fully cook the inside of the dough, the dough would need to stay in the oil for a much longer time without the hold. That would lead to a burnt exterior! Punching that hole in the middle of the dough allows the oil to cook both the inside and outside evenly because the hot oil can flow through the center. And then, in order not to waste that delicious dough, cook those punched out holes. Yup, we now have another delectable treat on our hands. The yummy little nuggets – Donut Holes!