Restaurants News & Trends

Parlor Doughnuts soft opening: Are you ready to wait in line for ‘cro-nuts,’ Lexington?

A new doughnut is coming to town, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Parlor Doughnuts, an Indiana-based chain that has been a hit in beachy towns, is planning on opening their new Lexington location this weekend at 630 Euclid Ave., No. 150. That’s next to the Euclid Kroger, in the former Tandoor Express spot.

The company announced last fall plans to bring their small-batch, made-daily-from-scratch pastries to Kentucky, with a first spot in Lexington.

Parlor Doughnuts hoped to open by the end of last year but the pandemic and supply chain issues caused delays.

Now the bakery is planning to have its a soft-opening on Feb. 6 with hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to franchise owner Mandy Shaffner.

But don’t be surprised if there’s a line, even in snow. Fans of these doughnuts sometimes wait an hour to get a box to go.

What makes Parlor Doughnuts special? They specialize in “croissant-style” doughnuts, or “cro-nuts” with lots of flaky layers. The daily menu has two dozen specialty flavors including Strawberry Shortcake, Maple Bacon and Bourbon Caramel.

There are also seasonal additions and a secret menu with items like the Princess Doughnut, dipped in strawberry glaze and topped with whipped topping, marshmallows and sprinkles.

Specialty bakery Parlor Doughnuts, which has developed a following with fans, is coming to Lexington. Parlor sells flaky croissant-style doughnuts, sometimes referred to as “cro-nuts” with special toppings.
Specialty bakery Parlor Doughnuts, which has developed a following with fans, is coming to Lexington. Parlor sells flaky croissant-style doughnuts, sometimes referred to as “cro-nuts” with special toppings. Provided
Parlor Doughnuts, which started in Evansville, Ind., in 2019, has opened shops in Denver, in Oceanside, Calif., in Miramar Beach, Fla., in Pawleys Island, S.C., and in Nashville. Now it’s coming to Lexington’s Euclid Avenue.
Parlor Doughnuts, which started in Evansville, Ind., in 2019, has opened shops in Denver, in Oceanside, Calif., in Miramar Beach, Fla., in Pawleys Island, S.C., and in Nashville. Now it’s coming to Lexington’s Euclid Avenue. Provided

Parlor also sells Doughboy Milkshakes in the same flavors as the specialty doughnuts.

The restaurant also will have specialty coffees, juice, seasonal kombucha, acai bowls and other breakfast items, including breakfast tacos.

Prices range from about $2.75 for a single doughnut to about $24 for a dozen.

Workers install signs at the Parlor Doughnuts Lexington location Tuesday on Euclide Avenue that hopes to have its soft opening this weekend serving flaky, croissant-style “cronuts.”
Workers install signs at the Parlor Doughnuts Lexington location Tuesday on Euclide Avenue that hopes to have its soft opening this weekend serving flaky, croissant-style “cronuts.” Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
Besides doughnuts, Parlor also offers specialty coffee drinks as well as shakes.
Besides doughnuts, Parlor also offers specialty coffee drinks as well as shakes. Provided

Parlor Doughnuts

Where: 630 Euclid Ave., #150, Lexington

Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., soft opening Feb. 5-6.

Parlor Doughnuts hopes to have its Lexington soft opening this weekend serving flaky, croissant-style “cro-nuts” at 630 Euclid Ave. No. 150.
Parlor Doughnuts hopes to have its Lexington soft opening this weekend serving flaky, croissant-style “cro-nuts” at 630 Euclid Ave. No. 150. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
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Janet Patton
Lexington Herald-Leader
Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription
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