Stephen Montoya
Justin Thomas, co-owner of the newly opened Duck Donuts at 6387 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Some things in life just feel right: a perfect cup of coffee on a crisp morning, a laugh with an old friend, or — for those who know — biting into a warm, made-to-order donut. For years, my donut experiences were a ritual of early mornings and the occasional late-night indulgence. But as I stepped into Duck Donuts’ newly opened Fort Worth location at 6387 Camp Bowie Blvd., co-owner Justin Thomas introduced me to a new truth: “the only way to truly enjoy a cake donut is hot and freshly made.”
Thomas, alongside his wife Morgan, who is also a TCU women’s volleyball coach, has brought this East Coast treasure to Texas, and their enthusiasm for the brand and its story is as palpable as the aroma of housemade donuts that greets you at the door.
“It all started on the Jersey Shore,” Justin explained. “The founder [Russ DiGilio] wanted to recreate his childhood memories of watching donuts being made fresh. When he couldn’t find a donut shop like that on the Outer Banks, he decided to start one himself.”
The first Duck Donuts opened in Duck, North Carolina, in 2007. Over the years, the brand grew, garnering a cult-like following. Whether you want a classic cinnamon sugar donut or something more adventurous — say, maple bacon — every donut at Duck Donuts is made to order.
“There’s no disappointment here,” Justin says. “You don’t have to settle for what’s left on the rack. Each donut is made fresh when you order it, with endless possibilities of toppings and drizzles. And when it’s hot, the texture is just unbeatable — crispy on the outside, soft and melty on the inside.”
Duck Donuts doesn’t deal in yeast donuts. Instead, they craft cake donuts that Justin likens to muffins: slightly sweet, delightfully tender, and incredibly versatile. Their freshness is matched only by the premium quality of their ingredients. “When we say Oreos, we mean Oreos,” Justin said. “No cutting corners here.”
It’s been a long journey for the Thomases to bring Duck Donuts to Fort Worth. After discovering the brand during a food tour in Charlotte, North Carolina, Justin was instantly sold. But launching the franchise was far from simple, especially with the hurdles of the pandemic.
“We bought the franchise in 2019, but COVID delayed everything,” Justin says. “It took time, legal consultations, and perseverance to finally open our doors. But seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes it all worth it.”
Originally, the Thomases had their sights on opening a Duck Donuts in Lubbock, but after Morgan received a job offer at TCU, the couple put their plans on hold until they fully relocated to Cowtown. Now open for two weeks, Justin says he’s already seen the joy these donuts bring to those who venture through the doors.
And those smiles? They’re contagious. From 9-year-olds to 90-year-olds, Duck Donuts seems to strike a universal chord. “Everybody who comes in is excited,” Justin said. “That’s what makes it so rewarding. You can’t help but feel good when you’re sprinkling happiness — literally and figuratively — on a donut.”
The opening weeks have already seen devoted customers. One young boy requested Duck Donuts instead of a birthday cake, crafting his own special creation: a cinnamon sugar donut with maple drizzle.
Justin has his own favorite too. “Maple bacon,” he said with a grin. “It’s just the best.”
But it’s not just donuts. From premium espresso drinks to milkshakes and lemonade, everything Duck Donuts offers is top-notch. This new spot even has a state-of-the-art expresso machine that Justin says, “Is better than the ones they have at Starbucks.”
Outside of the donuts and drinks at Duck Donuts, the Thomases also have ducks for sale. No, not real ducks, but the neat little rubber ones you see in Jeep owner’s windows while driving around. Justin says he has plans to be the biggest duck retailer in North Texas.
This corner sweet spot is more than a place to grab a treat; it’s an experience. The Thomases hope to build brand awareness and bring a slice of the Outer Banks to Fort Worth, one made-to-order donut at a time.
As Justin put it best: “There’s nothing like seeing someone’s face light up over a donut. You just won’t get an experience like this anywhere else.”
