Beaufort County Gets a Sweet New Addition: Parlor Doughnuts
Exciting news for doughnut lovers in Beaufort County! Parlor Doughnuts, a delightful craft doughnut and coffee chain, is making its way to the coast, and locals couldn’t be happier. Lee and Amanda Hicks, the dynamic duo behind this new venture, have decided to plant their doughnut-making roots in the charming Lowcountry.
Get Ready for a Doughnut Revolution!
Scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2025, the brand-new Parlor Doughnuts shop will be situated at Okatie Center, right across from Food Lion and next to Sun City. This location will mark the first of at least three stores set to pop up in the Beaufort-Hilton Head-Savannah area, making it a doughnut hotspot!
With existing locations in Greenville and Pawleys Island, the Okatie shop will play a vital role in expanding Parlor’s presence in South Carolina, paving the way for two more potential shops in Johns Island and Summerville in the near future. Lee Hicks, who grew up just a stone’s throw away in Greenville, believes that this area is ready for Parlor’s distinctive offerings.
What’s So Special About Parlor Doughnuts?
Now, you might be wondering what makes these doughnuts different from the rest. To put it simply, Parlor Doughnuts are all about layers. These handcrafted beauties feature buttery dough that’s crispy on the outside yet light and fluffy on the inside, perfect for those who appreciate a decadent treat. With over 20 toppings to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Is your mouth watering yet?
Some of the fan-favorite toppings include maple bacon, bourbon caramel, honey glazed, and for those who can’t resist chocolate, you can’t go wrong with Hicks’ top pick: the “chocolate chocolate” doughnut. “The toppings are amazing,” Hicks exclaims, and it’s hard to argue with that!
Step Inside a Delicious Experience
But it’s not just the doughnuts that draw folks in; the atmosphere of a Parlor shop is what makes it a true experience. Embracing the vintage charm of Victorian parlor rooms from the early 1900s, each store is designed to feel like a welcoming gathering space. Picture this: a cozy, modern twist on the classic parlor, where friends gather to catch up over a craft coffee and enjoy those delicious doughnut creations.
Besides those mouthwatering layered doughnuts, you can also look forward to some artisanal breakfast treats and specialty coffee. Plus, for those with specific dietary needs, there will be plenty of options to satisfy everyone—think vegan, gluten-free, and keto selections. Parlor Doughnuts truly aims to cater to all!
How It All Started
For those curious about the origins of Parlor Doughnuts, here’s a little backstory. It all kicked off in 2019 in Evansville, Indiana, when Darrick Hayden teamed up with his son Noah and restaurateur Josh Tudela. Their shared passion for delicious, high-quality doughnuts led to a rapid expansion, and now, with 59 shops across 14 states and franchises in all 50 states, they’re still growing strong!
Lee and Amanda Hicks originally discovered Parlor while on vacation in South Carolina, and they were hooked from the start. After making the decision to relocate to Beaufort specifically to open multiple shops, they’re ready to bring delicious joy to the local community—one doughnut at a time!
The Future is Bright and Sweet!
As construction is well underway for the Okatie shop and moving along swiftly, Lee Hicks is confident that the community is going to embrace this exciting new addition. “I think it will be a big hit,” he shares. With a fantastic brand and a product that resonates with coastal communities, it’s pretty clear that Parlor Doughnuts is set to become a favorite in Beaufort County.
Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in some spectacular doughnuts in just a few months! This is a sweet start to 2025!
