25 Years and Counting - Dublin Donut Business Is A Family Affair

Dublin residents who love donuts are in luck. Hot, fresh donuts are available at two locations in town thanks to one devoted family.

Pat and Sang (Johnny) Yeh have been in the baking industry in Dublin since 1969 when they bought  from local resident and owner Johnny Hyder.

The Yehs lived in Southern California and moved up to the East Bay to pursue baking. They worked for another family for two years until they were able to master their future calling of donut making.

Their daughter, Keo Yeh, joined the business afterward, helping support mom and dad's passion for baking.

"We also own on Amador Valley Boulevard. We've owned that since 1991. That is our only competition," said Keo.

After a light chuckle, she explained the customer base for both is mostly made of "regulars" who come in and order their usual or hang out at the vintage brown booths. The Yehs have maintained the original decor from when they first acquired Johnny's.

"We've repainted the walls, but we kept everything," Keo explained.

Recognizable decor isn't the only thing the donut shops are known for, especially when it comes to the menu. The store offers more than a dozen different kinds of donuts, as well as croissants and pastries. Drinks include coffee, juice, tea and other options.

If you're wondering what the top selling donut is at Johnny's, the Yehs said it's the standard glazed donut.

"Between 6 to 7 a.m. [is the best time] to get a fresh, hot donut. On weekends, they come out throughout the day so it could be anytime," said Keo.

Keo acknowledges that quality matters, in addition to the type of donuts they put out each day.

"We make our own custard. Even though they (suppliers) increase the price on us, we stick to what works. We haven't changed anything in 20 years," she said.

Family is what keeps both Johnny's Donuts and Dough Boys Donuts running. Between the two shops, mom and dad Yeh may come over if Johnny's needs a replenishment of something and vice versa.

"We make everything fresh daily," she said.

If Keo isn't making donuts, she is flashing a smile to customers as they leave, parting with a "thank you for coming." Peeking over the register you will see a framed picture of Keo's (then) little boy, Andrew, holding a big round donut.

On the side of the counter are pictures of regulars eating their donuts and other photos of the Yehs and their special memories in the shop. A sure sign that family, dedication and knowing what their customers want has kept this business going strong for decades.