Dora’s Donuts serves up positivity and resilience alongside sweet treats
- news655
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
By KELLY OVERHOLT
If you’ve attended a local event within the last few months, you’ve likely spotted a new kid on the food truck block. Dora’s Donuts, a donut trailer that launched in October 2025, has quickly become a familiar sight, drawing customers in with its cheerful pink-glazed donuts. But for owner Heather Piotter, the trailer represents far more than a food business. It’s the continuation of a dream, a tribute to her late husband, and a way to share comfort and connection with the community, one donut at a time.
“For me, it’s not about the donuts. It’s about sharing a moment in time with someone else, sharing a little happiness, a little joy, a little pick-me-up during the day,” Piotter said. “You never know what people are going through, so any chance that I have to uplift anyone, I really try to take that opportunity.”
Piotter understands firsthand how unpredictable everyday life can be, having navigated losses in her personal and professional journeys. A lifelong chef, she began her culinary career as a dishwasher, working her way up to becoming a pastry chef at a catering company before landing a position as a chef at Google in Ann Arbor, where she spent eight years.
“I thought, ‘Man, this is such an amazing place to work. I’m surely going to work here for the rest of my life,” Piotter said. “And then the pandemic happened.”
When COVID-19 shutdowns disrupted the industry, Piotter pivoted to a position at Wasem Fruit Farm in Milan, where she began making donuts. What started as a job soon developed into a calling.
“I discovered that I really loved making donuts and wanted to do it for the rest of my life,” Piotter said. “Everyone smiles at you when you hand them a hot, fresh, delicious donut.”
In February 2023, under Michigan’s Cottage Law, Piotter and her husband, Jeffrey, began making and selling donuts out of their home. Just ten days after opening, tragedy struck when Jeffrey was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver going the wrong way on US-23.
“Everything came to a screeching halt,” Piotter said. “I was six months pregnant when it happened. I was home with my kids, just trying to figure out this new way of life. Once I got my bearings, I decided I had to keep going. I did it for both of us.”
Two and a half years later, Piotter continued the dream, opening Dora’s Donuts as a food trailer in October 2025. Since opening, the business has grown rapidly, with Piotter’s online following increasing from 400 to over 1,400, something she attributes to her customers and relatability.
“I love seeing and talking to everyone, which is a beautiful byproduct of owning a food business. I’ve shared about losing my husband and the road to rebuilding, but I didn’t foresee people feeling open enough to share their own story of loss and resilience,” Piotter said. “That’s been my favorite part.”
Currently, Dora’s Donuts focuses exclusively on donuts, with beverages slated to be added in the spring of 2026. The menu features six cake donut flavors. Chocolate glazed, Dora’s Classic – their signature pink glazed with rainbow sprinkles – and cinnamon sugar are permanent placements, while the remaining three flavors rotate. Rotating options are inspired by Michigan ingredients, seasonal themes, and one flavor honors Jeffrey’s favorites.
Donuts are priced at $2.50 each, $12 for a half dozen, and $20 for a full dozen.
A unique, extra special touch of Dora’s Donuts are small edible labels at the center of each donut featuring words of encouragement, joy, and inspiration. These “dough-notes” as Piotter calls them, serve as a tribute to Jeffrey’s memory.
“I wanted to add a little extra piece of him back to the business and share some of what he took with him when he passed,” Piotter said. “He was such a social butterfly. He could make the Grinch laugh.”
While Dora’s Donuts will conclude its inaugural season on Dec. 20 with a stop at Amazing Budz, 1301 S. Main St. in Adrian, that isn’t stopping them from spreading the sweetness. Piotter recently announced a winter doorstop delivery program open to residents in Adrian, Britton, Clinton, Dundee, Deerfield, Milan, and Tecumseh.
“People love donuts, but they don’t love to stand in the colder weather, so we’re going to bring them right to people’s doors January through March,” Piotter said.
Details are still being finalized, but Piotter said the program is expected to run on a week-by-week basis with pre-orders opening Monday and closing Friday for a Saturday delivery. Donuts will be sold by the dozen for $20 plus a small delivery fee.
Looking ahead, Dora’s Donuts is booking private and public events and business parking lot placements for 2026. They just recently announced that they have been accepted into the food truck lineup at the Lenawee County Fair scheduled for July 20-26, 2026.
In addition, Piotter plans to launch a line of merchandise featuring the Dora’s Donuts logo and popular “dough-notes” sayings.
“I’m so grateful for the experience,” Piotter said. “I can’t wait to see where this goes and travel hand in hand with my community as we shoot for the stars.”
To learn more about Dora’s Donuts, visit their Facebook page or email DorasDonutShop@gmail.com.