I’ve been thinking about opening a donut shop, and wanted to do some (okay, a LOT) more research on it. I do not work in a bakery, and do not have commercial experience. I’m a Network Capacity Architect – fancy words to say I’m pretty good at eating doughnuts, not so good at making them (yet).

What I thought I would do was: research various recipes, try making some at home, compare them to local alternatives (Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts, Publix grocery store, …), then donate some to see how they go over.

So far I’ve tested some recipes, and have a long way to go. I’ve learned to watch the oil temperature (made some donuts that were too heavy), watch the consistency (made some chocolate donuts where the batter didn’t flow well – they looked like bear poop), and to watch the recipes (my blueberry, raspberry and strawberry cake donuts left something to be desired).

I did make some tasty ones, though – and sent some in to my wife’s place of work. They requested more. My kids loves the old-fashioned with sugar and cinnamom – they were a hit.

But making stuff at home in small volumes and donating them free of charge is very different from making things in large volumes with little to no sleep and trying to make money at it.

So – I was thinking of trying to sell handmade donuts on weekends. How do you find a commercial kitchen you can rent space from? Do people do that? I have a full-time job now (50-60 hours a week), but want to test out different things while I have choices. I’m not sure if I’d go that route, or try a lot more recipes and donate them to different places. Maybe combine both approaches.

Anyone know of good handmade doughnut shops in the NW ATL area? Is there a call for Anti-Starbucks, Anti-Kreme shops?