Beloved donut shop, Glazed Gourmet Donuts, closes for good Wednesday

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A popular downtown donut shop, Glazed Gourmet Donuts, that has been open for over a decade is closing its doors permanently.

News 2 visited the shop and spoke with Mary Smith, the donut shop founder’s mother.

Mary said that in the days leading up to their final day Wednesday, they have been incredibly busy, as so much of the community has shown their support, with some folks even flying into town before they close.

It’s been so busy that a long line formed outside half an hour before opening their doors for the last time.

Mary told News 2 that the reason they decided to close had to do with her daughter – Allison Smith.

A little over a year ago Allison died in a car accident at 34 years old.

Over the last year Mary says they were working to keep the business up and running – in honor of her daughter, but ultimately it was Allison who was the heart behind glazed gourmet donuts.

They made their announcement in a post on social media they wrote in part.

“But a business like this is a labor of love, if you lose that passion, it is difficult to continue.”

Since announcing that Wednesday is their last day being open, the community has responded, not only showing their love for the donut shop but also for Allision.

When News 2 talked with Mary a few days ago, she mentioned what it would be like leaving Glazed Gourmet Donuts for the last time.

“It’s going to be very tough, extremely tough,” she said. “I was the one she first presented the idea to, on that rainy Monday morning in 2011, and I’m going to be the last one to walk out of here Wednesday, for her,” said Mary Smith.

Mary also shared how thankful she was for the community and their support as she said business was so busy they sold out of donuts this past weekend.