Sweet Excitement in Okatie: Parlor Doughnuts Is Coming to Beaufort County!
Okatie, SC – Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth because Parlor Doughnuts, the craft doughnut and coffee chain that’s been creating buzz across the nation, is opening its first location in Beaufort County! Lee and Amanda Hicks, locals with big dreams, are bringing this delightful doughnut experience to Okatie Center at 201 Okatie Village Drive. This new spot is set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2025, and the Hicks couple is on a mission to make the Lowcountry a little sweeter.
A Growing Presence in the Lowcountry
For those who don’t know, Parlor Doughnuts is making its mark in South Carolina, and Beaufort County is the latest addition to their delicious journey! This will be their first shop in the area and their third in the state, joining existing locations in Greenville and Pawleys Island. But wait, there’s more! The Hicks have ambitious plans for at least two more shops in the region, specifically targeting Hilton Head and Savannah. Talk about a doughnut explosion!
Why Okatie?
So, what makes Okatie such a perfect location? Well, the couple believes it’s all about the community. The shop at Okatie Center will be right across the street from Food Lion and conveniently located next to Sun City, making it a prime spot for both locals and visitors. “I think it will be a big hit,” Lee Hicks says. “They have a great brand and great product that does extremely well in coastal communities.” With the charming atmosphere and delicious treats, who wouldn’t love it?
What’s So Special About Parlor Doughnuts?
Now, let’s dive into what makes Parlor’s doughnuts so unique. Think of a doughnut that is not only fried to a crisp on the outside but also light and fluffy on the inside, and you get Parlor’s famous “layered doughnuts.” Lee’s personal favorite is the “chocolate chocolate,” but the shop offers an impressive selection of more than 20 toppings, ranging from maple bacon, bourbon caramel, to honey glazed. Yum!
A Cozy Experience Awaits
The vibe at Parlor is unlike any other. Drawing inspiration from the warm, inviting “parlor” rooms of Victorian homes, these shops aim to create a welcoming space that feels both vintage and contemporary. It’s a place where you can relax, sip on specialty coffee, and indulge in artisanal breakfast treats alongside your choice of doughnut. And let’s not forget unique dietary options! Parlor caters to various dietary needs, offering vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options on the menu.
How It All Started
Parlor Doughnuts first opened its doors in Evansville, Indiana, back in 2019. Founded by Darrick Hayden, his son Noah, and restaurateur Josh Tudela, the trio combined their enthusiasm for high-quality doughnuts with a passion for specialty coffee. Fast forward to now—they have expanded to 59 shops in 14 states and plan to franchise across all 50 states! Talk about ambition!
Community-Focused Journey
As for Lee and Amanda, they made the move to Beaufort in June 2023 with the sole purpose of opening these doughnut havens. They stumbled upon Parlor during a family vacation to Pawleys Island and fell in love with both the doughnuts and the community. After realizing the Beaufort-Hilton Head-Savannah region was one of the last potential franchise locations in South Carolina, they knew they had to jump in.
“We thought it was a great market,” Lee shared, enthusiastically eyeing the sweet future ahead.
The Doughnut Countdown Begins
The construction of the Okatie location is already underway, and from what Lee says, it’s moving along “pretty quickly.” With all this excitement building, it’s safe to say that the Lowcountry is in for a sweet treat when Parlor Doughnuts opens its first doors in 2025! Mark your calendars and don’t forget to bring your appetite—these layered doughnuts are sure to be a hit and a delightful addition to the local community!
