Head to House of Donuts

VERMILION — Each time Dan Valvo scans the pastry-filled trays — an assortment of goodies topped with sprinkles, filled with jellies and frosted with different icings — he's anything but glazed over. Rather, he's at full attention — excited even — when putting in his order of a dozen doughnuts to go. "I have had doughnuts all across the country. I grew up in Long Island and have been to Santa Monica," said Valvo, who lives in Vermilion. "I'm telling you, these are the best doughnuts I have ever had. They are top-notch. I would eat here every day, but my doctor and my wife advised against it." Valvo represents among the staunchest of supporters for House of Donuts' new location in Vermilion, open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Recently expanding from its headquarters in Sandusky, anyone can find the Vermilion shop at 1607 State Road (Ohio 60) in a storefront plaza once occupied by Hamman's Bakery. "We are a full-service bakery that is dedicated to everything we have here being made fresh daily," said Jan Bucholz, House of Donuts' owner since 2021. She also recently took over LEMmy's restaurant in Huron. Of course, the shop's signature item circles back to doughnuts. Similar to House of Donuts Sandusky's offerings, in Vermilion, diners can find either traditional styles — like glazed, eclairs with Bavarian cream and cream sticks, stuffed with a homemade filling — and more unique creations, such as Oreo-filled and maple bacon-coated treats. "They are made from scratch, and that's the best way to do it," said Bucholz, noting her employees whip up thousands of doughnuts each day between both stores. "They are softer. They taste better. When you freeze them, they have an adverse effect, and the dough just isn't right. We make them the old-fashioned way, here, which brings out their freshness." Originally starting out in Vermilion as just a food truck, House of Donuts also offers a wide assortment of sweets. They include danishes, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, croissants, cookies and kuchen, a German cake-like delicacy that Hamman's used to produce. "The equipment from the old bakery was already here, so it was an easy transition," Bucholz said. Bucholz enlisted Jane Bruck as her chief financial officer. The Huron residents worked for years together at Stein Hospice. "It's been really great being here," Bruck said. "We really appreciate our clientele." They're also taking requests. For instance, they're offering some breakfast dishes, like egg cups served with bacon and cheese. And, coming soon, people can expect breads and other bakery-type items. Customers can also put in special orders for large gatherings or special occasions. "We look forward to being here for a long time," Bucholz said.