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School is out and summer is in full swing, meaning kids and adults alike are on the hunt for Clark County’s most delicious summer treats. For those who find themselves waking up with a sweet tooth most mornings, one of the sweetest breakfasts in town can be found at Dot Donuts.
Dot Donuts, 1825 S.E. 164th Ave., No. 103, is owned and operated by longtime east Vancouver residents and husband-and-wife duo, Stan and Nyla Wilson.
A one-stop-shop for all things sweet, Dot Donuts features a host of refreshments including coffee, ice cream and of course, doughnuts. Guests are sure to find all the classic doughnut shop staples such as iced rings, cinnamon twists, and old-fashioned cakes, as well as Dot’s original creations including seasonal coconut cream, raspberry iced sugar and cotton candy.
This menu is a result of the couple’s collective 30 years of experience in the baking industry. Longtime Fisher’s Landing residents may remember the Wilsons’ original bakery, Villaggio Breads and Pastries, which was Vancouver’s first European-style bakery.
However, as the years went on, the Wilsons felt it was time to modernize and revamp their bakery business to fit the more contemporary tastes of the ever-evolving Clark County community.
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Looking to “restore the integrity of the doughnut” by providing an alternative to larger chain and corporate doughnut retailers, the Wilsons officially rebranded by opening Dot Donuts in January 2008.
The Wilsons split responsibility as co-owners by each playing to their own strengths as experts in the field. With Stan being the store’s marketing manager while leading menu creation and doughnut production; Nyla works as administrative head, managing retail staff and merchandising.
The duo helms a small team of about 10 employees, running a tight ship to ensure that customers receive the highest quality of product and customer service possible.
The production team works overnight baking Dot’s daily menu, finishing in time for the shop to open at 5:30 so that the doughnuts are at peak freshness when the first customers of the morning arrive.
That teamwork is the reason behind Dot’s signature daily hours. “We operate on a first-come first-serve schedule. The store is open every morning until the doughnuts are gone or until 2 p.m.” Nyla explained.
With unique flavors, a supportive community, and industry experts at the helm, it’s no wonder that Dot Donuts continues to thrive. But Nyla Wilson has one other secret to success to share: “Doughnuts transcend all barriers; Americans from all backgrounds love a good doughnut, and Vancouver is no exception,” she said. “We are excited to provide a beloved favorite to our community as east Vancouver continues grow.”
Dot Donuts’ menu and more information about the business can be found on its website at dotdonuts.com
