The Daily Standard
Story Archive
A Daylight Doughnut branch is coming to 222 West Logan Street, Celina.
CELINA - A national chain of donut shops headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is expected to expand to Celina.
Sukon and Sue Ly of Celina aspire to become Daylight Donuts licensees, owning and operating their own store. They plan to build their donut shop at 222 West Logan Street, a vacant lot they purchased in October 2022, according to Mercer County Auditor's Office online documents.
The couple hopes to open their store later this year, offering coffee, donuts and pastries. The site will include a drive-thru window.
Mercer County commissioners last week agreed to issue a $125,000 revolving loan to the couple under the name S3B Family LLC for the purchase of bakery equipment at their Daylight Donuts store.
The new business will create five full-time jobs, all of which will be offered to low to moderate income persons.
The total project is estimated at $736,322, with funding coming from the revolving loan, $175,000 in equity and $436,322 from a private lender. The revolving loan bears 3% fixed interest for seven years, according to county community development director Jared Ebbing. The county will hold a first position on equipment and the second mortgage on the land bill.
"They've been a pleasure to work with," Ebbing said. "Very responsive on all loan documents, back and forth. They came in … (and) gave a great presentation."
Daylight Donuts may not be well known yet in Mercer County, but there are locations in Eaton and surrounding areas, Ebbing said.
"There's one in Mason, there's one in Hamilton," he said. "They're more south, working their way up. This is a franchise. It specializes in different kinds of donuts, pastries and coffee and will have a drive-thru."
Ebbing believes the Celina Daylight Donuts will be well positioned for success.
"Especially with the school being expanded on Logan Street and State Route 29, I think they'll do well. There's no shortage of work ethic, they're (the Ly's) workers. I think they'll do very well," he said.
With Daylight Donuts there is no franchise fee and the company provides all the necessary training, Sukon Ly said about choosing to become a company licensee.
"Since Daylight Donuts is essentially a flour company, all of our products will be made from their ingredients. All products that are made at Daylight Donuts are standardized," he said. "The products will always be of high quality in combination with fast and friendly service."
He added that the business will focus on fresh products and excellent customer service.
"We can't wait to open a Daylight Donuts here in my hometown," he said.
Daylight Donut Flour Company is a donut shop chain with approximately 341 storefronts in the United States, per the website. Founded in 1954 by Tommy and Lucille Day in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company started by creating donuts using a blend of flour.
"Daylight Donuts has emerged as a national culinary sensation, with numerous licensees successfully establishing their delightful donut shops in various corners of the country," the website states. "These enterprising individuals, driven by their passion for delectable treats and a commitment to quality, have brought the mouthwatering flavors of Daylight Donuts to a myriad of locations in all corners of the USA."
