Colton, CA—Donut Star has been busy preparing their new location for eight months, two weeks and five days. 

This local breakfast institution, which has served the Colton community since 1985, closed their doors in late September to focus on a major upgrade to their business.

Owner Sam Phearak plans the re-opening of Donut Star for Thursday, May 8. They will be open to the public starting at 4 a.m., and will close at 10 p.m.

Since Donut Star closed its doors for the move, national breakfast chain Dunkin’ has taken over their old location, tearing down the previous building and rebuilding around their brand. Colton High students have been frequenting the new Dunkin’ for their morning breakfast since Dunkin’ opened.

Some students, like Arthur Amaral, have been waiting for Donut Star to come back. “Ever since I was a little kid I always used to go there,” the senior said. “It felt like an eternity that it was closed down. A lot of the memories are flooding back, and I can’t wait to enjoy it again.”

For freshman Francisco Quezada, Donut Star is essential to the Colton community at-large. “The reopening of the Donut Star means great things for the community,” he said. “I’m happy to finally see Donut Star up running again and seeing the people of Colton enjoying it.”

One person in Colton who will be enjoying the reopening is City of Colton Council Member DrG. He is excited about the reopening and plans to be the first customer. “This opening,” he said, “although being a soft opening, is a great story of achievement for Sam and his family. He continues to overcome hardship and has created a gem of a business that is not only beautiful, but connects to our community.”

With Donut Star reopening, it remains to be seen what impact having two competing businesses, one a nationally recognized chain and the other a local mainstay, will have on the bottom line for both.