Oxford Doughnut Shoppe reopened this week with new owners.
Stephene Spahn and her husband, Chris, bought the business with a partner, John Lake and plan to make big changes like adding cookies and seasonal treats. Spahn worked in the Donut Spot in Fairfield, Ohio for five years prior. The group has already made their mark.
One major renovation was the front-of-house where they added new countertops, cabinetry and a new doughnut case built by their best friends. They also overhauled the kitchen.
“I couldn’t have done that without all of the people who came in here and helped me,” said Spahn.
She also spoke about how personal it is for her as well.
“It’s a family thing for me,” Spahn said. “My kids are back there with me, they love to run dough. My husband’s making all the icings and the glaze.”
According to Spahn, her 8-year-old daughter’s goal since preschool has been to own a doughnut shop with her mom. She even wants to buy it from her mom when she graduates high school.
“I want to give back to the community,” said Spahn, a Miami graduate who lives in Hanover Township. “I get to be the caretaker but this Shoppe belongs to Oxford as a whole.”
After reopening Feb. 21, they saw lots of business and said that it was a fun first couple of days.
“Everything’s been great,” Spahn said. “Friday and Saturday last week, we sold out.”
“Everybody is as sweet as the stuff that we sell here, “ said Margaret Sonnet, an employee at the Shoppe.
Spahn said she understands her business is primarily with people in Oxford but hopes she can expand and get more students in.
“I would like to try to get on to campus with some things,” said Spahn. “I’d love to get in with some fraternities and sororities.”
She also has other potential plans for the Shoppe like adding late-night delivery and making cookies in the future. She plans on having seasonal specialties and she was looking forward to Easter for that. The shop is also working on getting licensed so they can sell beverages too.
“I see a lot of potential here that is not recognized,” said Spahn.
Spahn wants to help the business get running again and would love to cater.
“Come place an order for however much and I’ll be there and if you want something special, great,” she said.
Spahn said her role as an advisor in the 4-H club was important to her. She talked about looking for workers so she can be at the fair in July.
“It’s not only my kids within my club but it’s the whole 4-H program that I’m going out there to support,” said Spahn.
Spahn said she is also looking for buyer letters to be sent to potential buyers prior to county fair livestock auctions.
“I’m excited to support those kids who are out there doing the hard work,” Spahn said.
Some things will remain the same in a store teeming with ambition and sweets. The store will still be closed Mondays and Tuesdays for the near future, and they will now open at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
The former owner, John Francis, owned the Shoppe for 21 years. He was an Oxford resident and former Miami graduate. He had been making doughnuts since he was 21-years-old when he bought the place.
The Shoppe announced the ownership change on Feb. 9.
Spahn said she is thrilled to be the current “caretaker” and looks forward to supplying Oxford with plenty of sweet treats.
