News
November 30, 2020Duck Donuts Opens First Location in Capital Region
The Chamber was elated to participate in a grand opening/ribbon cutting for Duck Donuts on Tuesday, November 24th.
There is already a strong buzz- or quack- around town and on local social media! What is everyone quacking about?
Duck Donuts specializes in warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts. Upon entering the store, customers are welcomed with the aroma of warm, light vanilla cake donuts. Customers can create their own donut combination by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with bacon. The family-friendly store offers a viewing area where children and adults alike can watch their donuts being made.
Owned by David and Danielle Marks and Jennifer Matteo, the store is located in the Latham Farms Shopping Center, at 579 Troy-Schenectady Road, in Latham. The Co-owners have all lived in the Capital District since the 1980s. David is the founder of the Clipper Magazine for the Albany area, and Danielle is a high school mathematics and computer science teacher in the North Colonie Central School District. Jennifer is a long time entrepreneur and has worked with David at Clipper Magazine for 11 years. An experienced franchise development professional, Jennifer was an Area Developer for another franchise and previously owned several other businesses. The long time friends could not be more excited to bring the Duck Donuts concept to their hometown.
Co-owner, Danielle Marks, first discovered Duck Donuts, six years ago, while visiting family, in Virginia. She recalls, “My sister drove us 45 minutes to a donut shop, because we “NEEDED” to try these donuts. I quickly realized that we didn’t travel all that way for just a tasty snack. We drove there for the experience. The smell of the fresh made dessert, the excitement of ordering a custom creation, the enjoyment of watching it become a reality at the hands of our donut artist, and then finally biting into the most delicious warm cake donut that I have ever eaten.” A photo of those donuts has been on her phone ever since.
“I was shocked to hear that my wife and daughters had driven 90 minutes, round trip, to Virginia Beach, just to try a donut!” says co-owner David Marks. “They talked about those donuts for years and I just couldn’t understand their obsession. When I learned that a Duck Donuts had opened on Long Island, I drove three hours to try them for myself. I immediately understood and agreed – these were the best donuts I had ever tasted! That’s when we decided to bring the concept home to the Albany area.
Duck Donuts offers the perfect mix of treats for the Capital District: donuts, coffee, and ice cream!” The 1,500 sq. ft. retail store is next to Core Life Eatery, and reflects the franchise’s newly redesigned iconic beach theme and family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to donuts, the Latham location serves Duck Donuts’ signature coffee blends, espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate, donut breakfast sandwiches, donut sundaes, new menu items including frozen beverages and milkshakes, select retail items, and more. “As a business that does mostly takeout, Duck Donuts is an especially great fit for these times,” Jennifer Matteo continued. “People need something fun. We’ll be focusing on surprising and delighting our customers…it is pretty fun to watch the donuts be made as you order them, and even more exciting when we dip them in your favorite toppings and you can see the gooey deliciousness. My mouth waters every time!”
Latham neighbors may spot the owners’ “Quack Mobiles” – a bright red, donut-themed Volkswagen beetle convertible and a white Kia Soul that audibly quacks – around town. Honk to hear us quack back!
Donuts at this location will be made fresh to order 7 days a week: Sunday-Monday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For up to date information, specials and seasonal flavors offered, visit the Duck Donuts Latham Facebook page or connect on the web at DuckDonuts.com. Duck Donuts and this store’s owners are committed to customer and employee safety as New York recovers from COVID-19. Employees will wear masks and gloves at all times. High-touch surfaces will be frequently sanitized and the store will remain in compliance with all state and federal guidelines. Customers will be asked to maintain a six-foot distance from each other and plexiglass barriers have been installed throughout the store. The store has minimal indoor seating for now, and will have a variety of grab and go, curbside service, online ordering and delivery options for customers, as well as, a loyalty program app providing the opportunity for free and discounted items.
The first customer in line on Saturday, November 21st, and Sunday, November 22nd, will receive a Duck Donuts gift basket. There will be other prizes given to random customers throughout the weekend.
