An Arizona doughnut shop was saved by its community after the owner revealed hardships that would have otherwise ended the business, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Daniel Tes opened The Local Donut 10 years ago in Scottsdale, Arizona. While a decade-long tenure is often the sign of a job well-done, this summer proved hard for the shop.
“A lot of small businesses deal with it, but this year was different,” Tes told FOX 10 Phoenix.
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“We felt the pressure after spring training to get things ready for summer, and we just couldn’t catch up. Last week was probably our worst. We couldn’t make payroll.”
With his staff’s livelihood on the line, Tes “humbled himself” and turned to social media, asking “for help from the community” and “help from God.”
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The next day, the place was packed with visitors. His plea for help had worked. It not only drew in customers, but other local shops also prepaid for customers in a pay-it-forward gesture that displayed solidarity with their fellow small business owner.
“There’s a lot of selfless people out there, a lot of generous people,” Tes said.
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He isn’t the only one grateful for the business. Repeat customers told FOX 10 they were relieved the shop wasn’t on the outs due to a spell of bad luck.
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“They’ve got a lot of great options as well as super friendly people, so it’s a great time to come in here real quick for a doughnut,” said Harris Dozier, a regular at the shop.
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Tes said he’s ready to keep serving doughnuts and the community for years to come.
“People are there to help out, and I definitely want to pay it forward as well too,” Tes said.
