'We Are Nothing Without Community,' Wauwatosa Biz Owner Says

WAUWATOSA, WI—Cranky Al’s Owner Joey Carioti in Wauwatosa is known for his deep connection to the community. The doughnut king had been pondering during the pandemic how to continue fostering community relationships and creating new business opportunities.

"We are nothing without community," Carioti said.

Carioti runs Cranky Al's a staple in the Tosa area. In 2006, his aunt and uncle set up shop in East Tosa as a homegrown coffee and doughnut shop. The shop began adding pizza and other dishes to the menu.

Carioti is known for coming up with pop culture themed doughnuts such as a Tide Pod for the ill-advised Youtube challenge. He also had a Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle inspired wedding doughnut that coincided with his nuptials. Carioti also announced the birth of his daughter with a pink frosted doughnut.

Carioti also often incorporates small businesses to make special creations. He has collaborated with Vennture Brew Co. to make a beer that tasted like a cruller. He said during this difficult time, it is important to help each other out.

"We are in this together, teaming up is huge. There is enough business for everyone and doing collaborations and talking to each other is helpful, he said.

Helping kids succeed

Carioti has also worked with local children with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Last year he worked with 11-year-old Miles Bergner, a Wauwatosa beekeeper. Miles' father created a business with him called Highland Honey. Cranky Al's made a honey doughnut using their honey.

During the pandemic, the owner was looking for something different to do and give back to the community. Carioti told Patch he came across the YouTube cooking show with Wauwatosa's own Kitty Storey.

"As soon as I saw Kitty, I thought we had to do this," he said.

Storey, who has down syndrome and autism created her own cooking show called "Cooking with Kitty" when her middle school was shut down in March. "Cooking with Kitty" is uploaded weekly and now has 30 videos for viewers. Kitty has made casseroles, cookies, pizza, bread, and other specialty dishes.

Carioti said in a previous life he was an aspiring special education teacher. In college, he worked as a special education assistance but his path in life led him to Cranky Al's.

The month of October is Down Syndrome Awareness and Carioti felt it was fitting to do a Cranky Al's doughnut. Proceeds from the doughnuts will go to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW). The doughnut uses blue and yellow frosting to represent the down syndrome colors.

Carioti said he was already planning on another creation featuring Highland Honey and decided to use it to make milk and a honey doughnut.

"Miles was really excited to donate his honey for Kitty’s doughnut. He’s made it a point to use some of our honey for fundraisers this year. This one was a perfect fit," Miles' dad, Bryan Bergner said.

For Cranky Al's owner, he is proud of children like Kitty and Miles are doing something different and stepping outside of their comfort zone.

This week Kitty and Carioti filmed an episode of her show as they created the "Kitty doughnut." The episode will be available starting Tuesday on her YouTube channel.

Carioti said Kitty wants to be on a cooking network or star in a commercial.

"I love kids who have dreams like that. At least they are going in the right direction," he said.

For information on Cranky Al's, visit their website at crankyals.com.