Ethan’s Donut Factory will be located at the corner of McCollum Street and North Broad Street.
Maddy Welsh | Collegian

Ethan’s Donut Factory will open on May 1 in downtown Hillsdale, according to co-owner Wayne Babcock. 

Babcock said they are finishing the interior and shooting to get all the equipment delivered to the site by the middle of this month. After that he said they will get a final inspection from the local health department, hire employees, and hope to open on time.

Babcock said he has opened multiple food service businesses, including Olivia’s Chophouse and Saucy Dog’s Barbecue, but this will be the first one focused on sweet baked goods. 

When customers place an order, employees will make and decorate the donuts in front of them, Babcock said.   

“They’ll be fresh and hot. So when you get into your car or you’re walking out the front door and you take that first bite of that first donut, the sauce is going to be nice and warm, the donut’s going to have a warm temperature to it,” Babcock said. 

Babcock said Ethan’s Donut Factory is named after his 11-year-old son. 

“Olivia’s Chophouse was named after my daughter,” Babcock said, “and I promised my son, ‘If I ever do another project, I promise I will name it after you.’” 

Babcock said the shop will also sell ice cream, as well as ice cream and donut combinations such as milkshakes topped with a donut and whipped cream. 

Sam Fry, communications coordinator at Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, said that while the city hasn’t had much involvement with the project, they are excited to see the new business open. 

“Right now, we’re just cheering them on from the background and I think I can speak for many Hillsdale residents when I say we are excited to see – and taste – the final result of their efforts,” Fry said.

Fry said he thinks Ethan’s Donut Factory will complement the recent increase in downtown events. 

“From an economic development standpoint, it’s always exciting to see investment in Hillsdale, especially in our historical downtown,” Fry said. “A business like a donut shop or sweet bakery is something that appeals to a large portion of the community, so it’s a great way to draw more people in to the downtown.”

Fry said he hopes to be one of the first customers when Ethan’s Donut Factory opens to the public. 

Junior Sofie Kellar said she will check out the donut shop when it opens. 

“This is something we definitely need in town, and if they do a good job, it’ll be amazing,” Kellar said. “A good donut is like heaven in your mouth.”