Dawn of the Donut, a Zombie-themed donut shop On the 3400 block of north Division in Spokane opened its doors on Friday, Aug 2, 2013.
The owner Marty Judnich, is originally from Missoula, Montana but came to Spokane over a year ago. He wanted to start a business involving two things he and his wife loved best, zombies and donuts.
“Huge, huge zombie fans, love all the movies, all the shows,” Judnic said in an interview with local new station KXLY.
Their passion is reflected in the decor of the building. Zombie movie posters cover the walls and the ceiling is covered with red bloody hand and foot prints. As well the coffin shaped display case holds all the pastries that also follow the zombie theme. Brain apple fritters with a gory looking cherry topping that fills in the nooks and crannies of the “brain” and “The governor”, named after a character on the popular T.V show the walking dead, is a raised maple bar with a bacon topping are two of the best selling donuts.
The first few weeks of the premiere were met with lines wrapped around the building. Although a sign hanging in the establishment reads “Maximum capacity 15”.
“When we first waited in line the first day we had to wait like 30 to 40 minutes. There were so many people!”, Said Kali Martin, an accounting major at Gonzaga University and Dawn of the Donut regular.
Since their doors have opened the Donut shop has been well received by Spokane’s public. The business had what is called a soft or practice opening that was announced only on social media.
“The community has been outstanding for us, particularly online, everybody is liking and following us, even before we were open people have been walking in the door asking if we are open and what’s going on, so the response has been really, really great,” Judnic said.
With much community support Dawn of the Donut is partnering with the Inland Northwest Blood Center and giving back by hosting an event on Oct. 28, 2013 called “Dawn of the Donor”. By scheduling an appointment to donate blood, through the event page located on The Dawn of the Donuts facebook page, One can get a free deluxe donut.
“Entertainment will be provided – outside seating – this is more than a blood drive – this is an event! The Spokane Zombie Squad will be present. Zombie Makeovers will be given”, Dawn of the Donut said on the facebook page for the event.