Wallingford’s Neil’s Donuts Still Eyes 3rd Location In CT, Despite Ending Plans At Proposed Site: Report

WALLINGFORD, CT — Popular Wallingford doughnut shop Neil’s Donuts is still looking to open a third location despite ending plans to open a new shop at a former Rite Aid in Wethersfield, according to The Connecticut Scoop.

Neil’s Donuts had filed a pre-application to open a new donut shop at the former Rite Aid building at 657 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield. A hearing on the preliminary plans was held at the Wethersfield Planning & Zoning Commission’s meeting on Feb. 18.

According to the “Letter of Intent,” Neil’s Donuts was proposing to add a drive-thru at the site. The lease was contingent upon the municipal approval of the drive-thru, according to the Letter of Intent.

The letter also stated that if the drive-thru isn’t approved, either party could terminate the transaction without further obligation, and Neil’s Donuts could also terminate without penalty. Neil’s Donuts made a $5,000 security deposit on the property.

Neil’s Donuts owner Neil Bukowski told The Connecticut Scoop that he wasn’t moving forward with the plans at that location, citing expensive traffic studies required to get the drive-thru approved. He also said that he’s still looking at other sites to open a new location, including in Wethersfield.

Bukowski also told Hearst Connecticut Media in February that the plan was "up in the air" after he learned there was another doughnut shop, The Donut Station, nearby on the same street. He said he really didn't want "to do that to them," according to Hearst.

Neil’s Donuts is a longtime Wallingford institution that also opened a second location in Middletown. It is known for its award-winning donuts, and also sells pastries, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Read more at The Connecticut Scoop here.

See also:

• Wallingford’s Neil’s Donuts Gets Shout Out On Kelce Brothers' Podcast
• CT’s Best Doughnut Found Here: New Ranking