Sugar Shack set to expand the shack

Take a seat to enjoy your doughnut.

January 31, 2014; 4:18 PM • by Richard Hayes

Sugar Shack has at times been victim of its own success. Large crowds of people clamoring for the tasty treats can leave some folks left out. Richmond BizSense.com has news of an expansion in the works.

“The initial intent from the day we opened was to have tables and chairs in here, but the city wouldn’t let us because of zoning,” said Sugar Shack owner Ian Kelley. “Right now, it’s just strictly walk in, purchase donuts and coffee, and walk out.”

The plans call for a 12- or 16-seat outdoor patio raised about two feet and limited seating inside the store, seven parking spaces and a few landscaping elements. Kelley also plans to build a walkup window facing the patio that will offer a limited menu of some of Sugar Shack’s more popular items.

He hopes the outdoor order window will help alleviate some of the traffic inside during peak hours by getting regular customers who don’t need to see a menu in and out more quickly.

“We definitely have people come in and say ‘I want six glazed donuts.’ They know what they want, and they never vary,” he said.

Photo by: Burl Rolett