Long lines, loud cheers as wildly popular 'Dutch Girl Donuts' reopens in Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) -- An iconic Detroit donut shop is officially back open for business, and the people are psyched.

The line was out the door and onto the sidewalk, but there were smiles on faces as the lights came on at Dutch Girl Donuts, Friday morning.

The beloved bakery, located on Woodward Avenue at 7 Mile Road first opened way back in 1947, and closed in September of 2021.

Dutch Girl's longtime owner, Gene Timmer, died just a few weeks later.

Under new ownership, the hope is that the Detroit staple donuts would taste just the same — and longtime mega fan, WWJ's Charlie Langton says they do!

Langton described a party-like atmosphere for the grand re-opening, as those in line for their favorite donuts chatted and shared stories.

Among those waiting were, of course, several officers with the Detroit Police Department's 12th Precinct, which is right across the street.

"Cops like donuts, is that true?" Langton asked, to laughter from the group of men in uniform. "If the shoe fits, I guess," one admitted.

Detroiter Cameron Smith said he's eager to add Dutch Girl to his morning workout routine.

"I came from Powerhouse gym. I was coming down Woodward, I saw the lights was on, I saw the line out the door," Smith said. "I turned around so quickly! I parked my car, I hopped right in line. I've been waiting patiently for Dutch Girl's to reopen."

Nelly Kendrick said she woke up at 4:44 a.m., anxious to get her donuts. "Because I've been getting Dutch Girl since I was about three!"

Also in line bright and early was David Chambers, who sang a blues-style ditty: "Ah, well, well, yeah! I got a wife and a baby...and I don't even know their names. But all they want is Dutch Girl!"