Last Thursday, our Teen Center students visited Sublime Doughnuts to learn a little about what it takes to start and run your own business. There is no better example than Sublime. Owner, Kamal Grant, native of Marietta, Georgia, started this family business back in 2008 because he simply loves doughnuts. He first discovered his passion for cooking while in high school while taking a food service class. He shared with the students that a Dunkin Donuts executive spoke to his class and he never forgot how much fun the executive seemed to have in his career. From that moment, Kamal knew he wanted to start his own business where he could do what he loves and nurture his creativity. Following graduation, Kamal joined the Navy and then went on to study culinary arts in New York and trained under world-renowned pastry chefs.
Kamal then informed our students that having your own business is not always easy. In the first 6 months of business he shared that he made no money. Not able to afford a staff, he would make ALL of the doughnuts, stand alongside the road and flag people down, convince them to buy a doughnut, run inside to operate the drive thru, and then do it all over again. Talk about dedication! But Sublime has seen great success in just 4 years of operations. Not only have they been featured and recognized in the NY Times, Food & Wine magazine, and on CNN, but Sublime was also named “Best Bakery” by Bake magazine last year. One of two Sublime Doughnuts locations is located in Bangkok, Thailand and business is booming more than ever. Sublime Doughnuts is also planning to open other locations overseas in Egypt, Malaysia, & Singapore and within the U.S. – in California, Tennessee, & Savannah, GA. Sublime is at its best.
But what Kamal really loves about his business is as food evolves, his doughnuts evolve – whenever a new candy bar or cookie is created, he makes a new doughnut. You’ve got to keep up with what’s HOT when it comes to food! Before leaving, Kamal shared one sweet tidbit with our students: “if you can make it here in America, you can make it globally!” Thanks for the hospitality Kamal.
Quick Facts:
- Best-Sellers: Strawberries & Cream; Oreo; Reese’s; A- Town Cream
- Unique Creations: Cheese & Bacon; Salt & Vinegar
- Most Doughnuts sold in a day: 6,000
- Named America’s Best Bakery by Bake magazine
- LOOK OUT: Sublime Doughnuts will have a food trailer in Piedmont Park this summer, selling funnel cakes
Sublime Doughnuts is located at 535 10th Street, Atlanta, Georgia, 30318; (404) 897-1801.
This is one of a series of blog posts highlighting our Teen Center’s Thursday field trips to visit local Atlanta businesses and student exposure to entrepreneurship, career opportunities, and possibilities outside of their zip codes.