FORT THOMAS, Ky. — A Cincinnati-based specialty donut shop will soon become the newest business to call Fort Thomas’ historic Hiland Building home.
Top This Donut Bar signed a lease for the space — located at 18 N. Fort Thomas Avenue in the heart of the city’s Towne Center district — on Thursday morning.
WCPO media partner Fort Thomas Matters originally reported that Top This was negotiating a lease at the location in August, after learning that the city’s attempt to lure Holtman’s Donuts to the space fell short.
“We read the article on Fort Thomas Matters about the attempt to get Holtman’s and thought it was great,” said Justin Shelton, Top This co-owner. “We thought, ‘Hey, maybe we can step up and give them what they wanted.’”
Two examples of the custom donuts customers can build at Top This Donut Bar. (Fort Thomas Matters via WCPO, File)
Top This Donut Bar features cake donuts and other sweets prepared fresh on site. Customers effectively build their own donuts, moving down the bar selecting flavored icing and other toppings that range from the traditional nuts and sprinkles to fruits, nuts, and even potato chips and bacon.
Coffee, soda and milk are all on tap, as well.
Shelton also said Top This plans to expand their menu at this site to include soft serve ice cream.
But first, they have to get the space ready.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to the space to prepare it, but it will be worth it,” said Dan Gorman, who recently took over management of the historic but now mostly empty building.
In August, Gorman said the building is only 27 percent occupied.
“This business is going to be very popular and will fit nicely with some of the other exciting things happening in town.”
Online ordering will also be available for private events.
Top This will participate in Fort Thomas' Art Around Towne event Friday, setting up shop at the Hiland Building location, and managers hope to open full-time by December.
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Mark Collier is editor-in-chief and publisher of WCPO media partner Fort Thomas Matters. Read his original report here.
