Matcha Matchup Coming To Hoboken Zoning Board As Women Fight To Sell Donuts

HOBOKEN, NJ — Two women have applied to sell matcha donuts on a side street in Hoboken. They'll make their case to the Zoning Board on Tuesday.

Supporters of Duo Donuts have posted on social media that some neighbors were worried about the effect on the neighborhood. Others are standing behind the women, who have already been selling their donuts in local parks.

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The women hope to open in a sliver of green storefront at 205 12th St.

"Meet the team behind Duo Donuts and matcha," said former Councilman Tony Soares in a public Facebook post last month. "Today and Sunday at Church Sq Park! Get a taste of what they want to bring to 205 12th st. Matcha, Donuts, Locally Sourced."

On top of a photo of the women, he wrote, "Do these look like a couple of business owners that could hurt a neighborhood?"

On Wednesday, Soares, who currently works in real estate, elaborated.

"That building is a commercial building," he said. "That intersection used to have three retail spaces on the corners, near 12th and Park. Years ago it was a flower shop, it was a spa, it was Norm Wilson's political office. This donut shop is a very tiny commercial space. We're suburbanizing our city. I'm sympathetic to the neighbors [but exceptions] can be put into deed restrictions."

He added, "This city is an urban area. It's not a suburb. I just think it makes a better Hoboken when you can walk a block and see two young entrepreneurs."

According to the agenda, the Duo Donut Matcha Co. is seeking a conditional use "D" variance.

The owners did not respond to requests for comment. More information about them is here.

A public hearing is scheduled before the vote. The meeting begins Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 92 Washington St.

See the agenda and packet here.

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