Ignite Donuts to open new storefront this season
Central Michigan University alumnus Casey Croad, founder and CEO of Ignite Donuts, said he is preparing to open its first storefront located at 2208 S. Mission St. this fall.
Although no official date has been set, Croad expects Ignite is on track to open mid-October.
Ignite Donuts, a student-run company, has been providing donuts for the campus community since its founding in 2017. Ignite has worked without a brick-and-mortar location since its humble beginnings in a dorm room on campus.
Croad's entrepreneurial journey began in his Trout Hall dorm, which started off with him handing out products and giving away free samples to his fellow residents.
After working with CMU in a commissary kitchen for years, Croad said this cafe will be a unique way to experience the brand.
“It’s more than just a kitchen,” Croad said. “It's this comfortable space that allows people to study, do homework, have bible studies or just get to know each other in a unique setting."
Croad is setting up a charity 5k to combine his businesses efforts with the CMU Running Club, the Student Food Pantry and other external partners.
Although the date of the event has not been finalized, Croad said that he is excited to announce more information when available. He said he hopes to make the 5k a yearly event.
“Having (the food pantry) allowed my roommates and my friends to come together and just feel loved by the community," Croad said. "To feel that there are donors and people out there that just want to take some pressure off of us.”
Updates about the cafe opening and the 5k will be posted on the Ignite Donuts Facebook page.
Croad also runs volunteer and paid internship programs for students. He said the internships allow students to get a better understanding of the business landscape and to get real world experience.
Students interested in these internship opportunities can apply at Ignitedonuts.com in the community section.
