Doughnuttery To Open Inside Tysons Corner Center

MCLEAN, VA — Doughnuttery, a New York City franchise specializing in fresh mini doughnuts, is making its regional debut on Saturday, Aug. 8. The kiosk, near the 7-Eleven inside Tysons Corner Center, will be the first of its DC area locations.

The new location is run by Leyla Khater and Kathy Ronckovitz, two local entrepreneurs. Ronckovitz first came across the franchise on a trip to New York City, and the pair jumped at the chance to open their own Doughnuttery when it began franchising.

"Leyla and I have always been talking about doing something together," said Ronckovitz. "We both have entrepreneurial spirits."

According to Khater, Doughnuttery offers the experience of watching doughnuts get fried and prepared before eating them fresh. The kiosk sells hot, freshly-made mini doughnuts with a selection of 25 sugars and glazes. Sugar coating selections please a range of tastes, from the standard cinnamon sugar to eccentric flavors like bacon maple and Spicy Rooster with sriracha. Doughnuts come in packs of six with the option of two or three different flavors. Customers can also purchase drip coffee and seasonal drinks like hot or cold apple cider.

The women had planned to open Doughnuttery in March, but that process got delayed because of the pandemic. Because Doughnuttery hadn't been operating, it wouldn't have qualified for assistance like small business loans. But the owners are feeling confident about opening with safety measures and options like curbside pickup and third party delivery.

"We are trying to make it in a very difficult situation," said Khater.

Tysons was the perfect fit for Doughnuttery, as it offers foot traffic and a mix of residential and business communities. The owners' decision to make Tysons Corner Center their flagship franchise location was reinforced by the safety measures they've seen the mall take during the pandemic.

Doughnuttery will have its own measures for the safety of staff and customers. Staff wear masks and undergo temperature checks, and customers are encouraged to maintain six feet of social distancing.

Even if stricter public health guidelines return, the owners are optimistic about business due to curbside pickup and third party delivery options. They will also take catering orders and can customize doughnuts for gender reveals, birthdays and more.

For the opening, Doughnuttery will offer activities like guess how many doughnuts are in the box, a business card drop for a catering giveaway, hand sanitizer giveaways and more. Customers can also buy kits of doughnuts, glazes and sugar coatings to make at home.

Khater and Ronckovitz plan to open two additional Doughnuttery locations but haven't chosen locations. For more information, visit www.doughnuttery.com.