Springfield man opens new business to keep his fiancée's memory alive

Lauren Appelt knew her way around French pastries, but her dream was mini donuts – the kind found at state fairs across the country.

Appelt, a former cook at Incredibly Delicious, died March 1, but not her dream.

Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts’ fire engine red food truck has been spotted around Springfield since April 18.

“This was her dream,” Appelt's fiancée, John Farrow, said. “I’m keeping her memory alive.

“She developed a sweet tooth during her illness. And she thought, no one else was doing this. Why wait once a year for the state fair (to get mini donuts)?”

The made-to-order mini donuts are available coated in the standard cinnamon-sugar and powdered sugar. But other options include a dusting of granular sugar flavored with peanut butter, strawberry, mocha and chipotle. This standing lineup is joined by a surprise flavor that rotates weekly.

“We take the time to make them just a little different than you’ve ever had them,” Farrow said.

Mini donuts are available six-on-a-stick ($4), a 1-dozen bag ($7) or two, 1-dozen bags ($12). Only a single flavor per bag is possible.

Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts has a standing Friday date outside the Lincoln Library in downtown Springfield on East Capitol Street May 3, 10 and 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The food truck also will be a regular visitor Thursday nights at the 2024 Illinois Products Farmers’ Market at the fairgrounds, which kicks off its season May 16.

Check out Johnnie O’s Facebook page for additional dates and locations.

This is a first business for Farrow, but both he and general manager Gary Swaggerty have worked in the Springfield dining scene for more than a decade.

New York City bagels coming to Springfield

Authentic New York City bagels are heading to the Capital City, thanks to a new bakery set to open on Wabash Avenue this spring.

Signage for Broadway Bagels recently went up at 1500 Wabash Ave., formerly home to Pittman’s Popcorn Shop.

Loren de Loera, general manager, said dough will be made in New York City and shipped daily to the Springfield store where it will be seeded and baked in-house each morning.

Selections will range from everything to asiago, poppy seed to pumpernickel, rainbow to jalapeno.

The menu will focus on bagels, bagel sandwiches and house-made schmears, as well as fresh breads, donuts, cakes and pastries. Beverage selections will include coffees, lattes, signature teas and espresso smoothies.

Counter service and a drive-through lane will be available.

Loera said a late-May opening is projected.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 217-737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Springfield man opens new business to keep his fiancée's memory alive