The latest addition to the local food truck scene is Dippidy Donuts, an extension of founder Tim Jenkins’ concept, which has taken off in southwest Florida. The brand is quickly becoming a fixture at area farmers’ markets and fall festivals. “They are delicious,” says Jenkins, “and make everyone happy.”
The Menu
Baskets of 12–14 made-to-order mini-doughnuts are available in a range of flavors: plain, glazed, or tossed in cinnamon-sugar or powdered sugar. Customers can also choose from a variety of icings: vanilla, chocolate, maple, strawberry, and bourbon caramel. There are also specialty flavors:
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
- Strawberry Shortcake (strawberry jam and vanilla icing)
- Cookies & Cream (vanilla icing and crushed Oreo cookies)
- Birthday Cake (vanilla and chocolate icings and sprinkles)
- Tutti Fruity (vanilla drizzle and Fruity Pebbles)
- Éclair (Bavarian cream and chocolate)
- French Toast (maple and cinnamon sugar)
- Cinnabun (vanilla and cinnamon sugar)
For fall, special options include pumpkin spice and apple pie. “We’ll switch it up,” says Jenkins. “When it’s holiday time, we’ll have special flavors.”
The Background
Jenkins first had the idea to start a mini-doughnut business after closing his former Edwardsville-based corporate events company, Elite Event Services, and moving with his wife, Michelle, to Estero, Florida, two years ago. “We wanted something that would set us apart,” Jenkins says. “There’s a variety to pick from, and everybody loves them.”
His friend and business partner Ryan Starkey of Glen Carbon, Illinois, now covers the market here, after switching from his former career as a banker. “Selling these donuts is fun,” he says. “Everybody loves doughnuts.”
A few weeks ago, Starkey began crisscrossing the region in the food truck and setting up a pop-up tent at events. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, Starkey says. At the recent 40th annual Italian Fest in Collinsville, for example, “the line was down the street as far as I could see,” he says. And at the O’Fallon VFW Bacon Fest on September 9, Dippidy Donuts won first place for best dessert with mini-doughnuts tossed in cinnamon-sugar with maple icing and chopped bacon on top. “Who doesn’t love doughnuts—and bacon?” Starkey says.
Looking for Dippidy Donuts at Laumeier After Dark on November 4 at Laumeier Sculpture Park. (The food truck’s schedule is posted on the company’s Facebook page and Instagram.) The company also books employee appreciation days, school activities, and private parties, in addition to catering services. (To book events, call 888-347-7439, or email [email protected].)
“We’re looking to expand,” Jenkins adds. “We’d like to grow locally in other cities.”
