News Summary
Slow Rise Doughnuts, a pop-up sensation created by Jessica Dunkel, has become a hit in a Kansas City suburb. Since debuting in 2022, her handcrafted sourdough doughnuts have garnered a dedicated following, with customers lining up as early as 4 AM to get their fix. As demand continues to outstrip supply, Dunkel is considering a permanent location to better serve her growing community and maintain the quality and freshness of her unique offerings.
Fans Flock to Slow Rise Doughnuts, Leading to Long Lines and Future Plans
In a little city just outside of Kansas City, an exciting craze is taking over — and it all revolves around Slow Rise Doughnuts, the pop-up sensation created by Jessica Dunkel. Starting off as a side gig in 2022 while juggling a full-time job, Dunkel’s handcrafted sourdough doughnuts have blossomed into a cult favorite, packed with homemade jams and creams inspired by her Indonesian heritage.
A Journey to Doughnut Fame
Dunkel’s sweet treats became the talk of the town after she became a vendor at the Overland Park farmers market. As her doughnuts steadily gained popularity, dedicated fans quickly started arriving as early as 4 AM just to get a taste, even though the market didn’t open until 7:30 AM! By the end of the farmers market season, a dedicated group that became known as the “5 AM Doughnut Club” was setting up lawn chairs, all bundled in blankets, braving the chilly mornings for a bite of these delicious doughnuts.
Demand Outstripping Supply
With such phenomenal demand, preorders for the doughnuts were selling out almost immediately. This led to a wave of customer frustrations, as many took to social media to express their disappointment. Some fans were even contemplating switching allegiance to other doughnut shops, feeling the heat of the competition as they struggled to snag a batch of their beloved treats.
Dunkel, however, explains that this sense of exclusivity surrounding her doughnuts is entirely unintentional. She and her husband rise at the crack of dawn, starting their day at 1 AM, to whip up around 1,000 doughnuts each week. Their emphasis on freshness means they are always working hard to meet the growing demand, while also keeping quality at the forefront of what they do.
Creating a Doughnut Community
As customers waited in long lines, something beautiful happened — a sense of community began to form among doughnut enthusiasts. Strangers exchanged contact information, creating bonds over their shared love for Dunkel’s unique offerings. This camaraderie has made the wait more bearable, as they eagerly anticipate the release of new flavors and creations.
Innovative Collaborations
In a delightful twist, Slow Rise Doughnuts recently teamed up with Boulevard Brewing Company to create a unique pandan coconut doughnut ale. This collaboration is just a taste of the creativity Dunkel brings to her craft and serves as an added attraction to the already buzzing scene around her doughnuts.
The Future of Slow Rise
With the overwhelming enthusiasm and demand from customers, Dunkel is seriously considering opening a permanent shop. This move would not only help keep up with demand but also further strengthen the community that has formed around her delightful doughnuts. Currently, the Dunkels rotate between pop-ups at the Overland Park and Lawrence farmers markets on Saturday mornings. The excitement continues to build, and you can’t help but feel that this is just the beginning for Slow Rise Doughnuts.
Jessica Dunkel expresses heartfelt gratitude towards her loyal customers while acknowledging the bittersweet struggle of turning people away due to insufficient supply. One thing is certain — whether it’s the unique flavors inspired by her heritage or the vibrant community growing around her brand, Slow Rise Doughnuts is here to stay. So next time you’re near the market, don’t forget to set those alarms early and join in on the sugary excitement!
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Additional Resources
- FOX4KC
- Wikipedia: Doughnut
- KCTV5
- Google Search: Slow Rise Doughnuts
- KSHB
- Google Scholar: Slow Rise Doughnuts
- The Pitch KC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: sourdough
- Lawrence Times
- Google News: Slow Rise Doughnuts community
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
