This ‘outrageous’ new dessert chain chose Boise for its 3rd U.S. store. 30 more to open
First off, no — that is not a pile of heart attack.
It is an ice-cream-crammed, hot-pressed, candy-decorated donut.
Still, an on-site defibrillator might be prudent when Yonutz opens its third U.S. location this month in a strip mall at 8637 W. Franklin Road in Boise.
Debuting Friday, Aug. 26, between Michaels and America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Yonutz plans to provide “dessert lovers with the world’s most innovative, unique and outrageous ‘Smash the Ordinary’ donut and ice cream concepts.”
They cut a glazed donut in half. They jam a scoop of ice cream in the middle. Then they do all sorts of depravity to the poor thing. As you tremble with shame and excitement.
‘Fantastical’
“The menu at Yonutz offers a range of ‘fantastical’ desserts,” according to a press release, “from specialty donuts and Smash Donuts, to Smash Milkshakes, gourmet ice cream and ice cream pints. Setting a higher standard for dessert shops across the United States, the signature Smash Donut is one of a kind, featuring a fluffy, homemade donut stuffed with ice cream, smashed and hot-pressed, and topped with bits of candy or cookies.”
Yonutz also sells just, you know, regular gourmet donuts. And ice cream.
Good news, calorie counters! Even mini-donuts!
“No guilt with the minis,” promises a Google reviewer, who gives 4 1/2 stars to the original Sunrise, Florida, location.
Riiiight.
“Self-control was out the window when it came to making our selections,” admits another reviewer, who gives the place 5 stars. “We got a few minis and a few regular sized (oversized) donuts.”
“Pro tip,” adds another, “definitely get the shake with the big donut.”
Smash Donuts and Smash Milkshakes start at around $9. An example of a typical Smash Donut? The Cap’n Trix, which is filled with strawberry ice cream and topped with vanilla drizzle, sprinkles, Trix and Cap’n Crunch.
CNN, TikTok
Launching in South Florida, Yonutz’s founders “wanted to take it up to a whole different level,” according to the company website. “And the answer started to become obvious. We would SMASH the donuts and ice cream together.”
In 2019 and 2020, Yonutz won Florida’s Dessert Wars, aka “the largest dessert festival in America.”
Yonutz also was profiled by CNN’s now-defunct media company Great Big Story. “The beauty of the Smash Donut,” Yonutz CEO and founder Tony Bahu said during the segment, “is the outside is hot, the inside stays cold. So you get texture. You get flavor. You get temperature. You get it all.”
Bahu’s 17-year-old son, Angelo, is a singing TikTok star with 2.5 million followers. So it’s possible you’re already familiar with Yonutz — through him. “A lot of the new creations you see at Yonutz started out on brand ambassador Angelo Bahu’s TikTok (@yoangelolo) page,” notes the press release. That includes the kid-friendly Sour Candy Smash: Vanilla ice cream topped with vanilla drizzle, Pop Rocks, Sour Patch Kids and Sour Spray.
@yoangelolo i never like to pull the “i have followers” card but this time it was necessary Thank you being kind guys️
♬ Glimpse of Us - Joji
Like customer waistlines, Yonutz is expanding. (The Boise location is a locally owned franchise). Yonutz opened its second store in 2021 in Las Vegas. The Yonutz website lists 15 more locations as coming soon — including another Idaho store, in Nampa. But 30 is the actual planned number — not including Boise — opening in 2022 and 2023, according to an email from a publicist.
Can’t wait for the Boise shop to open? Savor one last taste from that press release.
“Featuring an Instagrammable photo wall with a neon ‘SMASH THE ORDINARY’ sign upon entering through its doors, the space will include vibrant custom murals, Instagrammable neon signs, and colorful seating for up to 32 guests.
“The dining areas will be replete with a custom, fantasyland-themed mural and a Smash Donut wall that outlines how to make a one-of-a-kind SMASH Donut dessert. The countertops will feature endless gourmet donuts and treats for customers to choose from and high-definition TV screens will display the amazing Smash products to tease your senses. Adding to the immersive experience, guests of all ages will have front row access to watch the talented team members create over-the-top recipes that come to life.”
▪ Online: yonutz.com. Instagram: @yonutz.
