My first

Finally I was able to open my first Pena's Donut Heaven & Grill.  I was now married with two baby boys,  and working full time with the Houston Fire Department. Why would I do this?  First I had the hunger to do what my parents had started, as will as having the passion to become the best Donut shop around. My wife was very supported with this which was huge. The second thing was to find a location that would work. I great space came available that was close to the fire station that I worked at and also where my family had owned their shop. My family was well known and that was huge for me. I also attended high school in this neighborhood. My wife and I  then proceeded to  to work on our business plan. Having a good business  plan is important as it the key to getting your bank loan. My wife had business degree and was able to put a good plan together. We found a local bank who took a chance on us, he then made a be with us that we would not make it. Not only did we win the bet, but the business flourished. My next post will be about how I expanded the donut business by thinking out of the box. Have a great night and I will see you later.

The Donut expert.

The family

 My family loved the donut business. I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers, and at one time we were all involved in our parents business. I will say it was one of the best time of my life, but also very trying times. Lets face it we all have had family arguments and disagreements, and that was part of working together as a family. We all had great memories to remember. I married my high school sweet hart, my sister married one of our customers and we meet so many great people during the years. Owning a family business and making it work was a challenge. My mother owned her business for 17 years. I broke away from the family business to become a Houston Fireman. I retired after 20 years of service. During those years I continued to help out as much as I could. My wife and I had two children during this time. My children loved growing up around the business and being around Mamaw and Pampaw. All my nieces and nephews
had the same great experiences and memories. I hope many of you who are reading this blog will have this, and also become successful at it. I am here to give you any advice on how to start up the business. I hope I have the answers to your questions on making donuts and other aspects of the donut business. Don't forget how important marketing is, your location and other details to become successful. Have a great donut day and see tomorrow!

The donut expert.  
    

Working for mom.

My mom opened her donut shop in 1980. She worked for the same donut chain for several years before that. My brother and myself were my mother's bakers. My brother cut the donuts and I fried them. We also started to do kolaches, which had not been done before for this donut chain. Sill to this day my brother likes to think he invented the Kolache. So as you can see, even through it was a chain, we ran it like a family business. I also had a sister her worked the counter with my mom. The business was a great hit for our neighborhood, and soon we known as the donut family. Soon my high school sweet hart came on board which made work a little more fun for me. My dad was also a big influence on me. He was a Chief Stuart for a major shipping company. He always told me do good in school and work hard. He was a great cook and being around him cooking must of implanted a seed in me. Tomorrow I will have more stories, and remember it is our parents who help guide us through life, so go pick them up some hot donuts and give them a big hug!

See you tomorrow,
The donut expert.

The beginning.

When I started my first shop I was employed full time with the Houston Fire department. As I previously stated I grew up with with my mother working at a local donut chain. I was around 10 when she started. Sunday was my favorite day as my mom would bring left over donuts home. That was my first taste of the donut business. More to come and remember the hot donut in the morning is the best taste of the day. What do you have to share about your first donut experience.

May 31, 2011 8:27 PM 

My story

All I can say is I am a donut junkie. My parents owned a donut shop as I was growing us and I became fascinated in donuts. Working for my parents enabled me to learn the business and eventually open my own. I call it Pena's Donut Heaven & Grill.   http://www.donutheavenandgrill.com/  I would like to share my knowledge to donut shop owners or future owners. How to start up a business, tips on making donuts and much more. I hope to hear from you and remember start your day with a fresh donut and some coffee.

The donut expert