Sweets Success: Manhattan Teen Inspires With Food Truck Launch, Passion For Business

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan native with a sweets dream and the drive to make it happen is thrilled to share her success with the community that raised her.

Kailyn Schuster, of KeKe's Donuts, stepped into the spotlight in June, showcasing her food truck and growing business at a Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Member Mixer.

Schuster, 18, started her business—its name derived from her parents' nickname for her—in her family's garage, selling her products first from a pop-up tent at the Village of Manhattan's Young Entrepreneur Market. She's come a long way—and she's proud of herself.

"I started when I was 15, and it actually was from my dad—he had a dream that I opened a donut business," Schuster said.

Schuster and her father Kevin—who co-owns Midtown Bar and Grill in Manhattan—started working on her product with just a small fryer.

"It took a lot of trial and error," Kailyn said, "and we finally made our donut."

It started with a simple cinnamon sugar, and they've since added a glazed option, with a chocolate one coming soon. They marketed the donuts locally initially. After Kailyn's graduation from Lincoln-Way West in May 2025, she launched her own food truck, first debuting it at Manhattan's Touch-a-Truck event.

It's been rewarding to see his daughter take her concept from dream, to fruition.

"From bedtime stories to business plans—Kailyn’s now 18, and KeKe’s Donuts is her dream come true," Kevin Schuster said. "As her dad, I’m just in awe of her courage and fire."

With the addition of the food truck, Kailyn is branching out with her business. She's currently selling at the Frankfort Farmers Market every Sunday, Catfish Days in Wilmington, and local car shows, as well.

And it all started in Manhattan.

Now in its fourth year, the Young Entrepreneur Market continues to grow and evolve. It began with local Manhattan kids launching businesses from their homes. The Village and Chamber Board celebrated the first 10 registered businesses with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

In year two, organized transitioned it to a market-style event in the Village Hall parking lot, making it easier for shoppers to explore all the businesses in one place. Since then, the event has thrived, attracting participants from across the area—including Frankfort, Joliet, New Lenox, Homer Glen, Lisle, Chicago, Plainfield, and Oak Forest.

As this year's July 19 market nears, Kailyn has some advice for those looking to dip their toe into business at a young age. Applications are still being accepted for the market; the deadline to register is July 11. The registration form is available online, and it's free to participate.

"I would say that consistency is key, and that you need to have the drive to continue to want to put effort into your product," she said. "See things long-term, if you see things short-term, it’s not going to last. Put your energy into what you want to do, and make it happen."

Kailyn said it felt surreal to sell her product at the mixer. Hosted by Kevin Molloy State Farm Insurance, the event last month highlighted young entrepreneurs, honoring them as “honorary members” for the year while they participate in the market.When hosting a mixer, members provide snacks and beverages—and KeKe's Donuts seemed like a natural fit.

"Her story inspired a fantastic event with great energy and community support!" said Kristen Reinke, communications/events coordinator for Village of Manhattan.

Also highlighted at the mixer was Snow Cones by Joey, a venture by Manhattan resident Joey Reeves, who has been a part of the market since day one. Sisters Concrete Creations—by Alyssa, Samantha & Annabella Lewis—are also returning to the market for their second year, and also participated in an Ability Expo, where they created and distributed paintable crafts.

Kailyn said she's ecstatic about her booming business and being able to share it with others in her hometown.

"It’s just crazy, it really puts it into perspective how far I’ve come," she said. "It makes me think back to what it was when I was 15. I’m proud of myself, and I’m excited for the future."