We live in a world where large corporations seem to rule everything. When a Walmart or another large store move into an area, they quickly put a squeeze on the small businesses of many of them are forced to close their doors for good. We may be able to find what we need at those larger stores but they don’t offer the same level of service that you will often find in a mom-and-pop shop. Unfortunately, they do have a difficulty competing but sometimes, the service that they provide works out to their benefit.
That is the case with one small doughnut shop that is privately owned in Seal Beach, California. It has been in operation for about three decades and over the course of time, many of the customers have become loyal and they continue to visit on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the owners of Doughnut City experienced a very difficult setback. The owner, John Chhan and his wife, Stella have been a staple in the community since the store got its start. Stella hasn’t been seen in the store for quite some time.
The regular customers learned that Stella had an aneurysm. She wasn’t able to be at the store any longer because she was restricted to rehab and bed rest. Her husband had to run the entire operation on his own.
As is the case with many doughnut shops, the day at his store ends when the doughnuts are gone. If he is able to sell out earlier, he could leave to go be by his wife’s side and spend time with her.
Regular customers to the shop wanted to do something to help but he refused allowing them to set up a GoFundMe account. He didn’t want a financial handout, he was looking for more time to spend with his wife.
It’s impossible to add more time in your day and you can’t buy it, but you can buy doughnuts. That is what his customers started to do. They would be there early to buy all of the doughnuts so that he could go home to be with his wife.
Donuts are selling out at this popular mom and pop shop in Seal Beach and the reason is sweeter than you could imagine. The story on CBS 2 this AM @CBSLA @suzmarques @CBSLAPeter pic.twitter.com/dAOepuoxkl
— Kara Finnstrom (@KaraFinnstrom) November 2, 2018
Chhan told a local news station that “she can talk, she can write. Right now she’s trying to start … eat something.”
People who have read the story online began to give their own support to the Chhans, who moved to California from Cambodia about four decades ago. Some people from the area even said they were going to start buying doughnuts from his location.
“What a hard working man he could have took the gofundme and time off work but he preferred to work,” wrote one reader.
“Does anyone know the name of the Donut Shop?” another wrote. “I’m having a birthday party for my daughter on Nov 17th and the theme is Donuts. I’m looking to purchase at least 10 dozen donuts, it be nice to purchase them from this shop rather than Krispy Kreme.”
If you’re in the area, think about stopping by and trying some of his doughnuts. You don’t often find a community that is willing to backup some of the area businesses like this one. It’s also rare to find somebody who has this type of work ethic.