When one door closes, another door opens.
When you’re in Plant City and craving a sweet treat, what do you get? Is it ice-cream, cake, coffee, candy… what about a donut? There is nothing quite as yummy as biting into a fresh, glazed to perfection, sweet donut. One Plant City business has been making customers happy with their delicious donuts for about 20 years.
While on Alexander Street in Plant City, you might pass Hole In One Donuts. Owners Sam and Judy Kan opened the storefront on January 18, 2005. Through their many years of owning the donut shop, they have served customers a variety of flavors, including my personal favorite—the blueberry cake donut. It is no secret that Hole In One Donuts is very popular in our small city, which might have to do with the fact that the owners provide great service and tasty treats!
If you’ve ever had a donut from their shop, I am sure you have a favorite. While many people love the traditional glaze, there are so many different flavors and varieties to choose from. When asked what their favorite donut was, they both replied with a quick “oh my goodness.” Though it was hard for them to choose, Sam and Judy do have their personal favorites. “I like the apple fritter,” Sam responded. “I love lemon and blueberry cake… lemon’s my favorite,” said Judy. I told Judy I had never tried the lemon one, and before I left, they were sure to hand me one to try. Let me just say… it was the perfect mixture of sweet and fruity and is now my new favorite!
It has been a long journey for Sam and Judy, but at last, it is time for the end. The two have decided to retire from the shop. “When I started this business, she promised me only two years, and it turned into 20 years—she’s a good liar,” joked Sam. Their last day at the donut shop will be September 30, 2024. However, no need to fret, as the new owner of the shop on Alexander Street will begin on October 1, 2024. Though Sam and Judy are leaving, they ensure the shop is in good hands and will continue to show great customer service. “The recipe and everything are going to be the same—the service and the family who is going to be coming has owned a shop for over 10 years too, so they are experienced,” said Judy.
As they move forward, Sam and Judy will cherish the memories they made in the shop. When asked why they decided to start the business, Sam said, “When we moved over here, we didn’t know what to do to make a living.” Judy then joined in the conversation, smiled, and said, “My husband’s family all own donut shops from the past, so we take after them… we have family who have donut shops in Plant City, so we learned from all those people too.” From generation to generation, the family has crafted donuts for all their customers to enjoy. They have been able to perfect their recipe by learning from family members. Their popular recipe has continued throughout the years and will remain the same for future customers to enjoy.
As they embark on their new journey, Sam and Judy mentioned that they were going to go with the flow and enjoy every second. They have no clue what they are going to do but know this is the perfect time to travel and visit their son. “Next year, we are going to go to Japan to visit him—he’s been in the Air Force for 10 years now,” said Sam. We thank their son, Tommy for his service.
Sam and Judy want to make sure their customers over the years understand just how appreciative they are. “We want to say thanks to all the local people who always support us and give us ideas—we get ideas from customers too, and who have advertised for us,” Judy said with a smile. Though they will be missed, we wish them the best of luck. Their kindness and customer service will always be remembered. If you visit the store anytime between now and September 30, make sure to say a big thank you and goodbye to Judy and Sam!
