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Long lines have persisted at Laplace’s revitalized donut shop, The Donut Hole, since mid-January, and that’s not a surprise to its new owners, Bret and Courtney Bahr.

Three years ago, The Donut Hole in Laplace closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida, which affected St. John the Baptist Parish and nearby areas. On Thursday, Feb. 27, the shop celebrated its return with a grand opening and ribbon cutting. 

“The Donut Hole’s return has brought back nostalgic memories for communities and people together in the River Parishes,” said Cortney. “The community has been very supportive.”

Located at 407 East Airline Highway (Hwy. 61) in LaPlace, The Donut Hole is more than just a bakery—it’s a place for families to gather, a morning coffee stop, and a destination for fresh donuts, a cherished tradition for many in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Jim Planetta opened the shop in 1991 with help from his daughter Kristie. After Ida, they moved the business to Livingston Parish and chose to retire before selling the business.

Courtney, who had previously worked as a nurse, said they bought the business despite lacking experience running a donut shop. They saw this as their opportunity to do something they both wanted to do: run a business.

“Kristie and her dad, the previous owners, came for a couple of weekends just to help us get on our feet,” Courtney said. “Jim created the recipes and said they taste the same. So that was comforting to have his approval, and, you know, his confidence.”

“And if the donuts don’t taste the same, people won’t return. So, the fact that it tastes the same shows that customers are fine with it.”

Courtney said they retained most of the staff from the team that worked with the previous owners before the storm to maintain an authentic piece of the donut shop’s identity.

On the menu, flavors like maple bacon, blueberry, lemon, strawberry, are alongside customized donut glazes. Courtney emphasized that specialty coffee drinks and breakfast items elevate The Donut Hole beyond a typical donut shop, appealing to millennials. 

“We want people to come in and sit down, enjoy conversation with friends and family, have a sweet treat and a good cup of coffee, like the good old days,” Courtney said.

For decades, the shop has been known for fresh donuts, kolaches, biscuit sandwiches, and king cakes during Carnival season. It has served multiple generations of local families.

With its return, the River Parishes are returning an authentic piece of its identity, bringing comfort and normalcy to a rebuilding community. However, Bret said they plan to relaunch The Donut Hole with an improved menu, though he foresees the expansion of the donut shop with a drive-through.