From Brisbane to Berlin: The Journey of Doughnut Time
By Damian Griffiths, Founder of Doughnut Time
It’s been quite a ride since we first flipped the sign to “open” at a little hole-in-the-wall in Brisbane back in 2014. I never imagined that what started as a simple idea—bringing smiles through hand-crafted, over-the-top doughnuts—would grow into a brand with fans not only in Australia but across the world. Today, we’ve found new homes in London and Berlin, where Doughnut Time continues to bring a bit of sweetness to everyday life.
When I first started Doughnut Time, I wanted to create something different—a place that offered more than just a quick treat. Doughnut Time was about indulgence, fun, and a little bit of nostalgia for the kind of sweet experiences we all grew up with. The menu was full of playful flavors and bold, quirky designs, each doughnut made fresh in-store. We combined classic favorites with outrageous new creations, and before long, we had lines out the door.
As the brand grew, we expanded to other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. But for me, the real thrill was taking that leap across continents. In 2017, I moved to the UK, and Doughnut Time London was born. Opening our first store on Shaftesbury Avenue was a moment I’ll never forget—seeing that familiar neon green logo light up on a busy London street felt like a dream come true. Londoners embraced us, and it wasn’t long before we had more stores popping up across the city.
After our success in London, I started thinking about other cities that could use a little doughnut love. Berlin seemed like the perfect fit—creative, vibrant, and full of energy. So, in 2023, we opened a production bakery and two retail stores in Berlin. It’s a city that thrives on originality, and Doughnut Time felt right at home among its eclectic food scene.
Running a business in two different countries has been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. London and Berlin each bring their own flavor to the brand, and I’ve loved adapting our offerings to suit the tastes of both cities. Whether it’s a new seasonal flavor in London or a German-inspired twist on a classic in Berlin, the joy of creating new doughnut experiences never gets old.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come from that tiny shop in Brisbane. But one thing hasn’t changed—our passion for making every doughnut fresh, fun, and unforgettable. It’s a passion that drives me and our entire team to keep pushing forward, dreaming up new ideas, and spreading the joy of Doughnut Time wherever we go.
So, if you find yourself in London or Berlin, drop by and see us. Grab a doughnut (or two), and let’s keep making sweet memories together. After all, at Doughnut Time, it’s always a good time for a doughnut.