A GTA donut shop that was at the forefront of the region’s modern, over-the-top gourmet donut wave has sadly called it quits after a decade, citing insurmountable “economic challenges” that have made doing business impossible.
Donut Monster in Hamilton, known for its rotating menu of baked goods with unique seasonal flavours and even bolder designs, has long had a devout local following, along with making it to the top of the must-visit list of virtually anyone passing through the Toronto-area city.
In 2018, it was even visited by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posing for a photo op at Donut Monster in 2018.
This is why community members were shocked by the announcement of the bakery’s forthcoming closure, which was shared with its 46,000 Instagram followers over the weekend.
“After 10 incredible years, it is time for Donut Monster to say goodbye,” starts the post, which briefly covers the business’s growth over the years after originally starting in a culinary kitchen incubator.
“There are many post-COVID economic challenges that have brought us to this point. Struggling to dig ourselves out of a combined series of hard situations has been slowly digging us deeper into an even more difficult one,” owners explained, noting that the most recent years have been the hardest. “The decision to close is truly heartbreaking and comes with substantial cost.”
They continued: “We are so proud of the business we built and the community we’ve been part of… The fact that we’re even still here today is because of your support through it all. Thank you for believing in us, for being part of our story, and for making Donut Monster what it is— something truly special.”
In just two days, the post has accumulated a remarkable 784 comments and counting — evidence of the public’s love and recognition for the shop — all from people crushed by the development.
But, along with bearing the sad news to fans (and also repeatedly thanking them for the constant support throughout Donut Monster’s tenure), the closure notice does offer a bit of hope that this may not be the last customers will see of the spot’s scrumptious and stunning creations, fate willing.
A P.S. at the end of the lengthy caption does ask any interested parties to contact the team to potentially “keep Donut Monster going through a business purchase or other creative arrangement.”
“Many of the challenges that led to this decision are possible to overcome through a reorganization and new ownership. Donut Monster still has many core strengths, and we’d be happy to discuss them in more detail,” management states.
Barring any investors swooping in to take over last-minute, Donut Monster’s last day will be Sunday, April 20, giving people ample time to visit and grab one last treat at 246 Locke Street South, Hamilton.
