December 2, 2024: Mansfield Center is a little sweeter with the opening of Dad’s Doughs at 483 Storrs Road. The locally-owned business is serving up fresh donuts seven days a week with a rotating menu featuring classic combos and creative flavors.
The “Dad” behind Dad’s Doughs is actually two dads, Lucas Ahern and Anthony Raggi. Both Lucas and Anthony grew up in Mansfield and are now raising their families in the area. They are bringing their respective culinary and business backgrounds together for this new endeavor.
“We are excited to introduce something fresh and innovative to our community with the opening of Dad’s Doughs,” said Anthony. “Our goal is to bring a fun and delicious new experience to town, and we can’t wait to share our one-of-a kind donuts with everyone!”
Lucas has spent his career working in the restaurant industry, primarily with the Back Bay Restaurant Group in Boston and most recently as manager of Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland. He is the creative mastermind behind Dad’s Doughs, whose menu centers around miniature cake donuts.
The menu at Dad’s Doughs features a selection of a dozen flavors each day with the options rotating often.
“We have some standard, traditional flavors that are always available,” explained Lucas. “Our rotating flavors will feature some unique flavor combos and seasonal offerings. And, we have plans to feature locally grown ingredients on a seasonal basis. I’m really excited for the specialty flavors we have in the works.”
Local products are featured, including items from Mountain Dairy (Storrs, CT), Hosmer Mountain Soda (Willimantic, CT), Village Springs (Willington, CT), and Baronet Coffee Roasters (Windsor, CT). And, they offer gluten-free donuts sourced from Freedom Gluten Free Bakery (Woburn, MA).
Dad’s Doughs occupies the lower level of 483 Storrs Road. The 1940 building served as the home of the Echo Grange, an agricultural, family fraternal organization, for decades. Following the closure of the local chapter of the Grange, the building underwent extensive renovations. It is home to an insurance office and, now, Dad’s Doughs.
“We are excited to be welcoming Dad's Doughs to Mansfield!” said Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth. “This new donut shop, located in the beautifully repurposed old grange hall, is a shining example of how small businesses can bring fresh energy and creativity to our community from a location rich in Town history. Dad's Doughs promises to be more than just a place to enjoy delicious treats – it will be a gathering spot that fosters connections and contributes to the vibrancy of our community. We’re excited to see this venture thrive and become a beloved part of Mansfield Center Village”
The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting for Dad’s Doughs on Friday, December 6 at 11:00 AM. Then, on Saturday, December 7, celebrate the grand opening of Dad’s Doughs from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. As part of the celebration, some lucky customers will receive a gift, courtesy of Klaus Larsen Roofing of Windham, CT.
For more about Dad’s Doughs, please visit dadsdoughs.com.
Business owners interested in opening in or relocating to Mansfield are encouraged to contact the Mansfield Downtown Partnership to learn more about how Mansfield is your place to grow. (mdp@mansfieldct.org, 860.429.2740).