Back in February, we asked the question “Is Slow Rise doughnuts the most popular pop-up in KC?” The answer from social media users was a resounding yes, with many noting how hard it was to get their hands on the handcrafted filled sourdough doughnuts (customers were getting in line for the pop-up as early as 4 am at the Overland Park Farmers Market). Cult followers of Slow Rise now have reason to rejoice. Owner Jessica Dunkel has signed the lease on a brick-and-mortar and we’ve got the scoop.
Yesterday, Dunkel signed the lease on a space located in a strip mall in South Overland Park (11228 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS), which formerly housed Johnathan’s BBQ Seafood Soulfood Cajun Creole. Dunkel hopes to officially open in early fall.
“I want to make it feel like a home. We’re not fancy people,” Dunkel says laughing. “This venture is really personal to me, not just a business move.”
The 3,000-square-foot site sits in the St. Andrews Court shopping center, near Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. For KC food lovers, the location is just minutes away from Harp Barbecue’s new spot.
Dunkel is hopeful that a commercial kitchen will allow her customers to enjoy her doughnuts fresh. Without the commute to farmers markets and pop-ups, Slow Rise customers can enjoy the doughnuts practically hot out of the fryer (Dunkel is a firm believer that donuts are meant to be eaten as fresh as possible). A commercial fryer and proofing system will also allow Dunkel and her team to make larger batches of doughnuts. Dunkel and her husband were waking up as early as 1 am with her husband to make 1,000 donuts for each farmers market.
“We are bursting at the seams so we have to grow,” says Dunkel. “I’m excited to grow because I’ve always wanted to do more things than doughnuts.”
The new spot will include some seating. Coffee drinks like cold brew or drip coffee will be offered to start. Slow Rise will focus on its core flavors, like pandan coconut and Everything bagel, but continue to make seasonal fillings. There’s a chance ice cream could make an appearance on the menu but Dunkel says that’s way off in the future.
“I’m excited to see people and have them come to one spot with regular hours,” says Dunkel. “Hopefully people who haven’t tried out doughnuts can finally try them. Our loyal followers over the past three years is really what led us here.”
Until the new site’s opening, Slow Rise doughnuts will continue to pop-up every other Saturday at the Lawrence Farmer’s Market (824, New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS).
Keep updated with Slow Rise on Instagram, @slowrisekc.
