There was a line of people queuing down Parliament Street today – to grab themselves a free doughnut.
Doughnut connoisseurs Project D opened on Parliament Street today, Friday 6 October, in their first bricks-and-mortar shop.
To celebrate their launch, they were giving away free doughnuts to their first 500 customers – and the people of York sure turned up for their tasty treat.
The queue of eager customers went down past HSBC and round the corner into Market Street. Those first in line started queuing from as early as 7am this morning, and some had travelled from as far as Whitby to be one of the lucky 500.
Max Poynton, one of the co-founders of Project D, said that the response was more than they could have hoped for.
“We’ve worked so hard in the run up to this,” Max told YorkMix, “and I’ve looked at it so many times and thought ‘what if nobody comes?’
“Literally hundreds of people have turned up on opening day which is amazing. It shows that the people of York have really got behind us already.”
Max co-founded Project D with his former school friends Matthew Bond and Jacob Watts in 2018. The business started from a kitchen table, and has gone on to sell its tasty treats online and via kiosks and pop-up events around the UK.
The journey to opening their first bricks-and-mortar store had been a difficult one, with complications as the building is Grade II listed and increased costs.
“It’s been really hard work, but we’re here, we’re open, and we’re so pleased with it,” said Max.
Inside, there are a few last minute touches to be added such as artwork on the walls and a small seating area for six people. The team also hope to get some neon signage for the window.
Project D is expecting to open at least three more stores over the next six months, including Sheffield and Manchester.
They have a selection of 16 types of classic and premium doughnuts available every day, including seasonal and spooky specials. Make sure you try their Simpsons-inspired bestseller ‘Homer’, with pink icing and confetti sprinkles.
Doughnuts start from £2.95. The shop also sells premium roasted coffee and chocolate drinks.
Find out more about Project D at their website, Instagram and TikTok pages.
