A Hole in One

Tepuy Donuts opening a brick-and-mortar this spring

If a stop at Idle Hour is now a staple part of your morning routine for a “hole in one”—aka a delish doughnut that only Tepuy Donuts delivers—you can soon upgrade your daily tradition. Raleigh’s “Doughnut guy” is leveling up with a brick-and-mortar. … Pause for applause.

Despite only having lived in Raleigh for about four years, that “Doughnut Guy”—aka founder, owner and baker Alejandro Contreras—has made quite the name for himself… and at a time when that’s a relatively difficult grab considering those dough holes are having quite the moment. 

But Contreras’ first storefront will be just the beginning of yet another chapter. Slated to open in the spring in a small shopping center where Capital Boulevard and 440 meet, Tepuy’s outpost will lean toward grab-and-go doughnuts and coffee, with some indoor seating and a spacious patio. And before you fret, his popular sourdough doughnuts will continue to be available at existing locations throughout the Triangle. 

At the shop, expect all the standard and seasonal flavors you know and love (vanilla bean-glazed and Nutella-filled are Contreras’ two faves)—plus some new options he and his team will dream up. To boot, the brick-and-mortar will also serve housemade breakfast sandwiches and traditional savory Venezuelan pastries like empanadas, kolaches and tequeños (aka “cheese fingers”).

A native of Venezuela, Contreras taught himself how to bake while going to culinary school in his home country, initially making cinnamon rolls. It wasn’t until he visited the States and went to Krispy Kreme that the doughnut bug caught him and he began selling them back in Argentina, where he lived at the time.

Since launching Tepuy—named after a type of tabletop mountain found in Venezuela—out of Mandolin’s kitchen midpandemic, the doughnut connoisseur has always dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar. And, a full-circle moment, Mandolin chef/owner Sean Fowler will actually be a silent partner in the venture as well. “I can’t wait—I already imagine myself there,” Contreras muses. “It’s been a journey.” And we’re here for the sweet ride. tepuydonuts.com

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