Canadian native Peter Spyredes has been in the business of putting sticky frosted smiles on the faces of his customers for over 30 years. Dandee Donut Factory does not have a current website, and cannot be found anywhere in the social networking world. Through good ol' fashioned word of mouth, we found out about Dandee Donuts when a friend (Did we mention how awesome this friend is?) brought a box over to our house one night.
It was then we fell in love with the Cherry Crunch Dandee Donut, and we had to meet the man behind the line.
New Times: How did you come to own Dandee Donuts?:
Spyredes: Dandee Donuts was originally a franchised store that I came to work for here in South Florida in 1986. I bought it and made it my own in 1995.
Is the location in Hollywood separate from your original Pompano location?
The Hollywood location is owned by my friends Frank and Laura Pucine.
Are there any differences between the two locations?
Yes. The Pompano location is 24 hours. The Hollywood location offers pizza, we (Pompano) do not.
What sets you apart from the chain donut stores?
We bake everything on premises. Everything is baked fresh daily. Nothing is saved from the previous day. We do our best to bake exactly what we need, but if we have leftovers at the end of the night, they get thrown away.
What about ingredients?
I am especially proud of our apple fritters. They're made with real apple.
What are your best sellers?
Sour Cream Glazed and Honey Dip
What is your personal favorite?
Chocolate Dip or Apple Fritter
Being that you're 24 hours, do you often find yourself sleeping here or coming in at odd times?
No, I trust my staff. I've had the same bakers for years. One guy has been here for 30 years, the entire time this location has been open. The other baker has been here for 20 years. In the early days I would sleep here overnight, sometimes passing out on a pile of flour bags.
What is your favorite thing about owning Dandee Donuts?
Interacting with customers and building long lasting friendships and relationships.
What is your least favorite thing?
Getting the 1a.m. phone call that something has broken, or someone has driven their car through the storefront. This has actually happened to us twice.
What would you do if you weren't in the donut business?
I'd still be a business owner, and probably still food related. I love the hospitality industry and couldn't imagine doing anything else.
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