Wildly popular KC doughnut pop-up opening permanent Johnson County spot
As soon as Jessica Dunkel posted that her sourdough doughnut business, Slow Rise KC, had found a home, her Instagram page went ablaze.
Hundreds of comments flooded the wildly popular pop-up business’s page, all with the same sentiment:
“BEST NEWS EVER!! You’ve made our entire week!!!”
“Maybe I’ll finally be able to see what the hype is all about.”
Slow Rise is looking to open early fall at 11228 W. 135th St. in Overland Park, in the former Jonathan’s BBQ Soulfood Cajun Creole location.
Even with keys in hand, Dunkel said it feels surreal.
“It’s still crazy to think about,” Dunkel said. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
It’ll be Slow Rise’s first permanent spot after three of doing pop-ups and regular appearances at the Lawrence and Overland Park farmers markets.
Slow Rise is known for both its fluffy doughnuts and the long lines it’s drawn. Customers get up hours before opening to snag a few doughnuts before they sell out.
Like always, Slow Rise will sell several seasonal, rotating flavors at its new shop. Past favorites include pandan coconut, Bavarian cream, Nutella, and mango lime.
The new spot will also sell coffee beverages — drip or cold brew. Something simple, Dunkel said. There will be enough seats for 50 people, and the plan is to be open three-ish days a week.
Slow Rise will still be at the Lawrence Farmers Market, but it won’t be at the Overland Park Farmers Market this year.
Admittedly, Dunkel has been surprised by her journey with Slow Rise. She never really dreamed of opening a storefront for the doughnut business, but the demand was great and — well, here she is.
“We’ve seen the support that the community has shown us, so without their support we wouldn’t be in this situation,” she said. “I think we owe it to everyone who’s been rooting for us to make it happen.”