Twin sisters Erin Monyek and Liz Schulze hail from Massachusetts. Their New England home is considered “donut country” with approximately 23 donut shops per 100,000 residents. It is not surprising that when they moved to Colorado, it felt like a donut desert to them.
When they considered opening a donut shop, they toured every donut shop in a two-hour radius and tasted every kind of donut the area had to offer. Nobody made donuts like the ones they had growing up. They knew they could make “a wicked awesome donut” that people would love.
Ready for a Change
Both sisters are highly educated and driven women. Monyek is a licensed attorney and Schulze is the chief financial officer for Mobility Services International. Monyek, a former divorce lawyer, was ready for a change.
“My career as a divorce lawyer began to wear on me. I wanted to do something more fulfilling,” Monyek says. “Donuts bring people joy and I love working with my sister.”
Inspired by Horses
When it came to picking a name for the shop, they were inspired by their love of horses.
It also provided a great theme for their donuts and shop. Schulze’s favorite horse, Smokey, inspired the image in their logo. Smokey is also a huge fan of donuts and will give kisses in exchange for the sweet treat.
Wildly Successful
There are many reasons why Horseshoe Donuts are wildly successful:
- They are large specialty donuts with rotating/seasonal flavors and fun designs/themes.
- You can find East Coast specialties like apple cider donuts and their original corn bread & jam donuts.
- Their apple fritters are a one-a-kind recipe and are amongst their best sellers.
- They will make custom donuts whenever possible.
- The donuts are “wicked awesome” – just ask anyone in the line outside the door.
- Monyek & Schulze, along with their employees, make everyone feel like family as soon as they enter the shop.
Brewnuts
Horseshoe Donuts has a weekly collaboration with Pikes Peak Brewing Company. Each week, Pikes Peak Brewing donates a different variety of beer for Monyek and Schulze to use in creating a unique donut flavor. These brewnuts are only available on Saturdays.
Community Connections
When asked, “What have been your proudest moments as business owners?” Monyek and Schulze had several stories to share. One story in particular truly illustrated just how much the donut shop means to the patrons who love them.
They have lots of regulars that come in weekly to purchase donuts. One father made it a tradition to bring his two little boys in every Saturday to pick out a donut and to enjoy them in the shop. Sadly, tragedy struck and the father was killed in an accident. A year to the day after the father passed, they were told a large crowd was gathering out front of the shop. It didn’t take long before they realized it was the late father’s family and friends. The family had brought the two little boys to the shop to celebrate their father’s life and to enjoy a donut in his memory.
Both Monyek and Schulze say they were moved and humbled to be a part of their healing.
Horseshoe Donuts is more than just a local bakery for the city of Monument. It’s a hub where people come to say hello, buy a sweet treat, and create community connections. The welcoming energy of the shop can be felt as soon as you walk in the door.
Website: http://www.horseshoedonuts.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @HorseshoeDonuts