Donut X-press To Reopen Next Month

Donut Xpress, closed for repairs since a fryolator fire Sept. 29, will reopen in December with new countertops and a return to 24 hour, seven days a week hours.

"We plan on being open for Christmas," said owner John Guerin. He said that the fire required them to replace equipment and make repairs, so he took advantage of the downtime to make some changes he's been thinking about but couldn't manage while the 17 Front St. doughnut shop was open.

Among the changes, new countertops, a new look and at least two new faces - the 24/7hours will require hiring two new people, Geurin said. He said he hasn't kept the shop open around the clock for about two years, since the recession began. "That was when the economy was slow, but things are picking up a little bit," Guerin said.

A few years ago, before the recession began, Geurin was considering opening new shops and using the Front Street location as the main bakery. 

For now, Guerin seems excited about the immediate future, when he's sure his customers will happily return to the remodeled shop. "I'm closed, and he's here," Guerin said, nodding over at Roger Robitaille, who was sitting at the counter keeping him company. 

His customers are also his friends, Geurin said, and they all enjoy a friendly-family atmosphere. They'll get to start enjoying the place again when it reopens in about three weeks, he said.