The Ermoyans own The Donut in west Centennial. The small bakery and coffee shop, open since 1990 on East Arapahoe Road, is the couple’s fifth in the Denver area in the past 30 years. The family pitches in, including son Berj, 23, and daughter Ani, 22. Every day, the family makes its own doughnuts, rolls and pastries and serves a Mediterranean lunch menu.
Over the years, we have seen many large chain competitors come in and out of the area, and our store has survived due to our product. Our shop is our second home. We put in 70 hours a week. Our hard work has paid off by putting both our kids through college.
“Due to the economy, we have seen our business drop, but it has not been to the effect that we have seen in the country. Doughnuts are a very affordable treat, and in rough situations like these, people want to comfort themselves. In addition to economic uncertainty, we are dealing with road construction on Arapahoe Road, our main thoroughfare, and that has impacted us negatively. We used to be able to foretell daily sales, but it’s become very unpredictable, resulting in random up and down days.
“The drop in business has us baking less and handing out more free doughnuts to customers who purchase a dozen doughnuts or more, as well as to those who come in for our gyros lunch special. Greater discounts are given to school and church orders.
“We do this to keep our customers happy, which is the cornerstone of a successful business. We have kept our prices the same for nearly two years, despite rising supply costs.
“We have established great relationships with many of our customers over the years, and they share their stories with us on how the economy is impacting them. We are hearing of multiple layoffs in the workplace, or people having difficulty selling their homes. Many are thankful to still have a job yet fearful of the economy. Our customers who purchase doughnuts for work are buying fewer of them because there are fewer employees. We have also noticed that people are now charging on their credit cards more than before.”
