Crowds Flock to New Cafe

A newly opened donut cafe, George’s Donuts and Merriment, is attracting enthusiastic crowds in San Francisco. Customers are eagerly lining up on West Portal Avenue, excited to be among the first to experience its array of sweet offerings.

Concept and Development

Co-owners Lea Dudum and Janina O’Leary took nearly two years to develop the concept before launching the cafe. According to Dudum, “Donuts bring joy, they bring nostalgia.” This whimsical eatery combines the traditional appeal of donuts with a diverse menu that includes salads and sandwiches.

Menu Highlights

Unlike typical donut shops, George’s Donuts offers a full menu that caters to a variety of tastes. As O’Leary stated, “There’s a little bit of everything for everybody, for sure.” Notable menu items include:

• Donut Hole Flight – sugar-dusted brioche donut holes served with Valrhona chocolate fudge sauce
• Key Lime Pie Donut
• Bacon and Eggs Donut
• Strawberry Champagne Donut
• Harvest Chicken Salad
• Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich
• “Fries for a King” – a hearty side option

A Tribute to Family Legacy

The cafe’s royal theme and its name honor Dudum’s grandfather-in-law, George, who once lovingly referred to himself as the “King of Oakland” due to his larger-than-life personality. “It’s really fun to be able to honor him and his legacy,” Dudum remarked, highlighting the personal touch infused into the cafe’s atmosphere and dishes.

Operating Hours and Location

George’s Donuts operates from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. until they sell out of donuts. After the sweet treats are gone, patrons can still enjoy the cafe’s food menu until 3 p.m.