At Parlor Doughnuts, forget everything you know about the humble doughnut. Founded in 2019 in Evansville, Indiana, this cult-favorite shop is famed for its flaky, buttery, layered confections. What are they, exactly? Well, unlike traditional yeast or cake doughnuts, Parlor's version is laminated like a croissant, deep-fried, and then coated in toppings like maple glaze, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate drizzle.
At any given shop, the menu typically includes more than 20 flavors, with flavors like French toast, maple bacon, bourbon caramel, and churro. Each bite aims to deliver crispy edges, delicate layers, and rich, decadent toppings. There are also vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly options, as well as dog-friendly doughnuts.
A New Kind of Doughnut Shop Lands in Fort Lauderdale
In addition to pastries, Parlor serves a full coffee lineup, including drip coffee, cold brew, matcha lattes, and espresso drinks. Customers can also order from an all-day breakfast menu, which usually includes acai bowls, avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and sandwiches.Before launching Parlor Doughnuts, founder Darrick Hayden spent years traveling across the U.S. with his son's band, seeking out the best local coffee and pastries along the way. The experience led to the opening of Proper Coffee in 2015, a small coffee shop in Evansville, Indiana. From there, he partnered with Parlor cofounder Josh Tudela, launching Parlor Doughnuts in 2019. Since then, Parlor Doughnuts has expanded to dozens of locations across more than 20 states, including California, Kentucky, and Virginia. Several shops have already opened in Florida, with more on the way — including a soon-to-open shop in Boca Raton at Nine Plaza Real South. Parlor's Fort Lauderdale location marks the first in South Florida.
To mark the grand opening of the Fort Lauderdale location, the shop is giving away free doughnuts starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 15, to anyone who signs up online in advance. The grand opening celebration runs through Sunday, March 16, with a full lineup of rotating specialty flavors and a $5 credit toward future purchases through the shop's app.
Parlor Doughnuts. 444 NE Seventh St., Unit 1B, Fort Lauderdale; parlordoughnuts.com. Opening Saturday, March 15.
