Tony’s Donut Shop, a longtime Portland favorite known for its classic donuts and early-morning lines, has found a new owner within its own bakery walls.
Tony's Donut Shop, a longtime Portland favorite known for its classic donuts and early-morning lines, has found a new owner within its own bakery walls.
Less than a year after Tony's announced it was for sale, an employee of 18 years said she would take over the business.
Emily Bachelder told Mainebiz that she began working at Tony's when she was a teenager and has learned every role in the shop.
Emily Bachelder inside Tony's Donut Shop in Portland. PHOTO / COURTESY EMILY BACHELDER
"When the shop was announced for sale, I found myself wondering what my next step would be," said Bachelder. "My entire adult work life has been spent in that shop, day in and day out. It quickly became clear that this was a place I called my second home and I knew I needed to step forward to ensure its longevity."
Tony's Donut history
Tony’s Donut Shop has been serving freshly made doughnuts and pastries since 1965. Founder Antonio “Tony” Fournier first opened the business on Congress Street, serving customers out the back door of Anania's, before relocating across the street to 9 Bolton St.
The new era
Tony’s hosted a grand reopening on Jan. 3 after giving the space a little refresh with a new interior.
Rather than changing the recipes or the shop’s name, Bachelder said she is focused on
preserving what locals love while introducing thoughtful updates.
A key part of that vision is bringing people together. In the coming months, she plans to introduce monthly community gatherings and expand her role as a community hub by partnering with other local food and drink vendors to add new local flavors.
She has also added new items to the menu, including daily favorites such as donut holes, Boston cream and chocolate-frosted donuts, along with box-o-coffee options for gatherings.
New hours have been introduced — 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
“Our goal is simple, we want Tony’s to continue being a place where people feel
connected — to each other and to the local community," said Bachelder.
Reader Feedback
What other new dining spots or food trucks should we check out? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
