Parlor Doughnuts opens
According to John Tate, the general manager at the newly opened Jasper Parlor Doughnuts, the Evansville-based crew helping them out over the next few days knew they would need a lot of doughnuts for the soft opening.
It’s a good thing because Thursday morning Parlor had a line stretching out the front door with folks ready to try the unique layered dough covered in gourmet toppings. A soft opening in name only as it was all hands on deck as the new crew and veterans worked together to keep the line moving for everyone stopping in for dozens and dozens of doughnuts.
Parlor Doughnuts Jasper is the Evansville-based company’s most recent franchise. It is owned and operated by partners Eric Youngblood and Kent Banning. The pair became friends through their mutual connections with Parlor Doughnuts founders Darrick Hayden and Josh Tudela. Eric has been good friends with Darrick for more than 30 years. Kent and Josh have known each other for a long time as well.
Kent became interested in Parlor at a soccer game. Josh was coaching a team that included Kent’s kids. “I was at a soccer practice one time and needed a coffee,” Kent explained. “Josh’s wife came up and handed me a cold brew (coffee) that was from Parlor. I took one drink and was like, ‘holy cow.'”
He saw the potential in the quality of Parlor’s product and decided he wanted to get involved with bringing it to a new audience.
Eric owns and operates the Jasper Jimmy John’s. Through his friendship with the owners, he convinced them Jasper was a great place to open a Parlor Doughnuts. “I think this is one of the smallest markets they have considered,” he explained.
Eric’s enthusiasm for the area was fueled by his four years of experience with the local Jimmy John’s. That, in addition to Dubois County and Jasper’s draw from surrounding counties, convinced corporate to open up the area for them to build the franchise.
Those connections brought both men together, and with the redevelopment occurring around the Jasper downtown and the renovation of the historic Central Building at the corner of Sixth and Newton Streets, they found a great location in the former HLS Pharmacy & Medical Supply.
Kent headed up the remodel and renovation and has created a bright and airy space with plenty of seating options as well as glass window partitions, giving a sense of separation for more privacy. An inviting two-seat area with a throw rug and coffee table will be further enclosed with a comfy couch when it arrives later.
That inviting atmosphere is what Parlor Doughnuts is all about. Step into any of their locations, and you will usually find customers hanging out enjoying a coffee, matcha, green tea or other beverage with one of the fantastic doughnuts.
But, according to Kent and Eric, don’t let the doughnuts overshadow the other menu items.
They both agreed the breakfast tacos and other breakfast options beat out the doughnuts for their favorite flavors offered by Parlor.
Here is the menu.
In the near future, there may be a special menu item added that will be tied to the Jasper community. The pair are still tossing around different German-inspired ideas and flavors.
Also, later this summer, they will be opening a Parlor Doughnuts Airstream in Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari.
The pair are really looking forward to being part of the community and bringing a unique and excellent option for coffee, doughnuts and more.
“I know a lot of people in this community and love it up here,” Eric agreed. “It’s a great community.”
The current hours at the Jasper location are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
