A new donut concept that will focus on gourmet flavors is set to open in Pasadena later this year. “We have a life-long love affair with donuts. Some of my earlier memories are going to donut places around Houston and just enjoying times with my dad,” shared Mike Rosas, co-founder of the new donut and coffee shop, Dough Nation.
“As I got older, I had this dream in my heart,” Rosas continued. Rosas was able to practice making donuts with some friends who have opened gourmet donut and coffee shops. He and his wife and Dough Nation co-founder, Lidiette Rosas, visited about ten of the top 25 donut shops in America to study the craft and experience how others across the nation enjoyed the sugary treat.
“We pretty much ate tons of donuts in the name of research,” Lidiette said. “We’re very passionate about the project. We have a huge affinity for sweets and community.”
The Rosas have been studying gourmet donuts for some time. Mike is from Colombia, South America, and Lidiette is from Mexico, so the Dough Nation menu will reflect those cultures. “There is going to be some fusion from different Central and South American flavors in there,” Mike said. Other flavors from across the globe will also be featured, along with guava, different cheeses, and prosciutto in some donuts. “It’s going to be a very eclectic style, very gourmet along with your regular glazed, chocolate, and maple donuts.”
The Dough Nation menu will also feature kolaches, breakfast tacos, and gourmet sandwiches during lunch and dinner hours, as well as coffee drinks.
“Our hope, if all goes well, is to franchise and grow across America, but we’re really putting all of our focus on our flagship to try to make it as successful as possible,” Mike said.
Both of the Rosas grew up in Greater Houston. “We love our city. We love our community, and so it’s a great opportunity and honor to be able to establish something here. Our tag line is ‘eat good, do good,’ so our hope is that along with giving people good food, we also bring momentum to people doing good acts around the Greater Houston area,” Mike said.
“I think the Pasadena community is a very diverse community of people,” he continued. “It gives you a microcosm of what you see in Greater Houston and all across America, so it’s a great testing site.”
Lidiette grew up in a neighboring community and had close family in Pasadena. “Just to be able to give back knowing the needs that the community has and to be able to help fill some of those needs is very gratifying,” she said.
The couple has worked with their non-profit, UpRising Society, for several years. They help the poor and partner with other non-profits. “We’re going to donate a portion of our proceeds every month to different groups in the community and help better the community. So, that goal is not just to give good gourmet donuts and coffee, but also to make life good for the people around the community.”
Dough Nation is expected to open at 5015 Fairmont Pkwy. in Pasadena in late November or early December.
