Metro Detroit Really Showed Up for the Triumphant Return of Dutch Girl Donuts

If there was ever a reason to spend a stormy Saturday morning standing in line it had to be for the boxes of glazed wonders that came out of Dutch Girl Donuts, which following an indefinite closure more than two years ago, flung its doors open once again on May 11 for a welcome back celebration.

By 6 a.m., patrons were parked outside of the iconic bakeshop, eagerly waiting for the moment when they too could indulge in the fried dough classics that have been feeding Detroiters for generations. By 7 a.m., early birds were huddled under the shelter of a small awning, dodging the occasional splash of raindrops as the downpour gradually subsided. Anticipation grew as workers could be seen meticulously preparing and glazing doughnuts before placing them on the shelves behind the counter.

Dutch Girl Donuts shuttered in September 2021 citing issues with staffing and family health problems. The closure was supposed to be temporary, but owner Gene Timmer died at 75 that month following a battle with cancer. Following his death, the Timmer family revealed plans to sell the building and business to someone willing to keep the shop’s legacy alive.

In November, Paddy Lynch, owner of the Schvitz, a historic bathhouse, announced that he had acquired Dutch Girl from the Timmer family. As part of the purchase agreement, the owners’ son, Jon Timmer, stayed on board to help prepare a new generation of doughnut-makers in the art of his family’s legendary doughnuts.

At the head of the line Saturday, visitors exchanged fond memories of their past visits to Dutch Girl, their voices rising above the growing chatter as more patrons joined the queue. Umbrellas sprang open, hoods pulled snugly over heads, and the line stretched the entire block up to Seven Mile. Passing cars added to the festive atmosphere with joyful honks, while those who patiently waited in their cars since dawn on a side street finally rounded the corner and faced the reality of the ever-growing line.

Some resigned themselves to the back of the line with grumbles, while a few chose to abandon their quest altogether, and still others attempted to bypass the wait by offering bribes to jump ahead. However, undeterred by these antics, the devoted doughnut fans at the front of the line stood firm in their unwavering dedication.

“I’ve been hooked on Dutch Girl since the ’80s,” said Pontiac resident Todd Turner. “It’s that classic glazed doughnut that has me here this morning.”

“The blueberry doughnut is my doughnut!” Another woman shouted from a way down the line.

“We’re waiting on the best doughnuts! They’re worth the wait. Rain or shine!” others shouted.

“These are legendary Detroit doughnuts,” remarked a woman who had driven from Woodhaven, nodding to her friend who stood in line for the second day in a row. Her grandson had devoured an entire box the day before. She echoed her sentiment, “If you’re here, then you already know!”

The line buzzed with excitement, punctuated by childlike laughter, as patrons anticipated sinking their teeth into Dutch Girl’s renowned glazed doughnuts. They raved about their light, airy, fluffy, and irresistibly soft texture, speculating about the secret ingredient that perhaps lent a hint of cinnamon, imparting that distinctive warmth that sets Dutch Girl apart.

“It used to be Quickee’s versus Dutch Girl when it came to the glazed doughnut,” said Steven Nelms, a former Detroit bus driver for the city. “It’s kind of like that Lafayette and American rivalry. I used to make regular stops here at Dutch Girl because, as a bus driver, I always knew the best spots for food.”

And suddenly, as if on cue, the rain cleared, and the clock struck 8 a.m. A worker emerged, jingling the keys to unlock the door. We were greeted by the sweet, enticing aroma typical of the finest bakeries. Lynch stepped forward, removing the “sold out” sign from the window.

“It feels really great to bring this community staple back, and everyone’s been super happy,” says Lynch. “Everybody’s in good spirits, and the place is in really great shape. We refurbished many of the older tables, including the staple one right in the window, and got in some new equipment, so we’re ready to rock and roll now.”

With a warm smile, he welcomed the eager guests as some cheered and others pressed their faces against the glass, trying to gauge how many doughnuts they could score. Workers bantered with the incoming wave of customers, some greeted with joyful dances and hugs before placing their orders, all while assuring everyone that there were plenty of doughnuts to go around.

This air of excitement has lingered over the block since Lynch began rolling out a series of soft openings a week ahead of the big day on Saturday. The morning before, a crisp 48 degrees, the line snaked halfway up the block, with veteran newsman Charlie Langton of Fox 2 Detroit and WWJ News Radio 950 gathering memories from longtime customers, and indulging in a couple of doughnuts between interviews.

“I’ve been going to Dutch Girl Donuts for a long time. I might have a couple of drinks in Detroit, go up Woodward to Dutch Girl a little after midnight, get a dozen doughnuts, and I’m good to go,” Langton told Eater of his own Dutch Girl ritual of the past.

The late night hours are long gone, but as customers like Steven Nelms walked out of Dutch Girl — arms tightly gripping their prized boxes as they made their way to their cars — incoming patrons had to know: Is this the same Dutch Girl?

Thankfully, the warm treats have retained that iconic, familiar flavor.

It’s worth mentioning that the phone number and hours listed on the boxes do not reflect the shop’s current information. Dutch Girl Donuts is at 19000 Woodward Avenue and is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Eater Detroit editor Serena Maria Daniels contributed to this report.