Duo hopes for ring of success

Captain Donut Kerikeri owners Gary Burnett and Jerry Trussler. Photo / Paul Lafotanoa

An American style donut shop has opened in Kerikeri.

Jerry Trussler and Gary Burnett have opened Captain Donut offering the classic American "raised and glazed" round ring donut in six or seven different styles.

Located at 52 Kerikeri Rd, next to Countdown, the business had a low-key opening on December 12 and is now open Monday to Friday.

Mr Burnett says they wanted to see what the interest would be and we were "totally surprised and delighted to have a sell-out [first] day".

Since then they have been rushed off their feet. They had a "$1 donut Wednesday" last week which saw queues of customers peak at 20 deep outside the shop.

They avoided an official "parade" opening. "We so wanted to do it right and the response has been absolutely amazing," Mr Burnett said.

They started out finding the right location in February and proceeded to set up the business and work through all the formal processes to finally get the green light this month.

Mr Trussler, originally from Santa Barbara, California in the United States, got the idea for the business more than a year ago after realising there might be an opportunity for such a product in New Zealand.

He has lived here for more than 20 years and in the Kerikeri area for 15 of those years.

Mr Burnett says Captain Donut is Mr Trussler's brand and there are plans to franchise the business nationwide.

They are refining the process as they go but the pair have been making donuts for the past six months.

Captain Donut employs three people and is expecting to expand job opportunities as the franchise plans develop.