Shauna McCoy’s journey from a corporate career to becoming the owner of Donut Distillery is a story of passion, resilience, and creativity. After spending years in the corporate world, Shauna found herself yearning for something more fulfilling—a venture that could bring joy to people and allow her to channel her love for cooking. That dream took shape in 2017 when she and her husband launched Donut Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee.
It all began with a food truck, a modest start that allowed Shauna to experiment with unique ideas. One day, inspiration struck—pairing mini-donuts with beer. The idea was unconventional and initially met with skepticism, but it quickly turned into a crowd favorite. Customers loved the combination, and it became a signature offering that set Donut Distillery apart. Over time, the food truck grew into a full-fledged establishment, complete with beer, mimosas, spiked shakes, and even live music. Today, they have two locations: one in East Nashville and another in Oxford, each attracting a mix of locals and tourists.
The road to success wasn’t always smooth. In early 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, a devastating tornado struck near their location. Although Donut Distillery was spared, many nearby businesses and homes were not. Shauna and her team organized a fundraiser, bringing the community together with food, beer, and live music to support those affected. This sense of community has always been at the heart of Donut Distillery’s ethos.
When the pandemic hit, Shauna faced yet another challenge. The business had to adapt quickly, reducing hours, scaling down staff, and finding new ways to reach customers. Drive-throughs and neighborhood deliveries became essential lifelines, and the unwavering support of the community helped them pull through. These tough times taught Shauna the importance of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.
Shauna credits much of the business’s success to her team, including her 26-year-old daughter, who handles marketing. Social media, particularly Instagram, has been a game-changer for Donut Distillery. Their visually appealing offerings, combined with word-of-mouth, have built a loyal customer base. Shauna emphasizes the importance of having a strong and well-trained team, as well as staying creative to keep customers engaged.
Looking back, Shauna reflects on the rewarding nature of running a food business. Unlike her corporate job, where she worked for others, owning Donut Distillery has given her the freedom to be her own boss. She finds joy in seeing customers enjoy the unique combinations her business offers. “It’s not just about making money; you need to have passion and creativity,” she says. “Some days are great, and some are tough, but it’s all worth it when you see people having a good time.”
As Donut Distillery looks to the future, franchising has become a key focus. Shauna is excited about the prospect of expanding to new locations, with a goal to strengthen their presence in Nashville and Oxford. The franchise program offers comprehensive support, from training to marketing, making it an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Donut Distillery’s mission. Whether through fundraisers, collaborations with schools, or outreach efforts with the local Chamber of Commerce, Shauna is committed to giving back. These initiatives not only strengthen ties with the community but also reinforce the values that have made Donut Distillery a beloved establishment.
Shauna’s story is one of unwavering determination and boundless creativity. Starting a food business requires grit, and Shauna embraced the challenge with her heart and soul. She built Donut Distillery as a platform to not only serve unique and delicious combinations but also to bring people together in joy and celebration. Her philosophy is clear: success is about passion and persistence. The ability to create memorable experiences for customers has transformed Donut Distillery into a community hub and a symbol of innovative spirit. Through every obstacle and every triumph, Shauna’s journey exemplifies what it means to follow your dreams and make them a reality.
If you’re inspired by Shauna’s journey and want to be part of the Donut Distillery story, visit their website at donutdistillery.com to learn more about their franchise program. With a $40,000 franchise fee, 5% royalty, and initial setup costs ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 (including $100,000 for equipment), Donut Distillery offers comprehensive training, marketing support, and 24/7 assistance to help franchisees succeed. Join their growing family and bring the joy of mini-donuts to your community!