Donut miss out Roma’s Donuts
Who doesn’t crave sweet, delectable doughnuts? From being a pastry option to a cherished take-home treat, doughnuts have been our coffees’ perfect companion ever since.
A bite of history
Fun fact to all donut-lovers: Did you know that it all started in the 17th and 18th century New York when Dutch immigrants brought their tradition of making of “olykoeks” (oily cakes)? These oily cakes, stuffed with nuts and fruits, are widely considered the origin of American doughnuts!
While international giants like Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme dominate the global market, Filipinos have various ways of transforming doughnuts into a thriving local business. Among them is Roma’s Donuts.
Sweet treat
Roma’s Donuts began its journey around 2022 when former seaman Jonnel Gacusan decided to open a donut business in Malued, Dagupan City.
“Ex-seaman kasi ako at nag-decide akong mag-settle rito sa Pilipinas. Nung pag-uwi ko, nag-umpisa akong gumawa ng mga merienda. One time, gumawa ako ng donuts at nagustuhan ng mga tao, hanggang sa yun yung hinahanap nila araw-araw. So naisip ko, dahil wala naman akong ka-kompetensya ng donuts dito sa area namin bukod sa malalaking brand, why not mag-focus na lang ako sa donuts,” Gacusan said.
His dedication shines through his production. He also revealed that he is able to make at least 3,000 doughnuts ****and could double that amount on regular days, all for an affordable P23 each!
“Hindi galing sa’kin ha kundi galing sa mga costumers mismo. Sabi nila, hindi raw siya masyadong matamis at kapag nilagay mo sa ref yung donuts namin, hindi siya tumitigas unlike yung mga donuts sa market,” he added.
“Meron kaming bestseller, yung choco banana at bavarian bites. Yung choco banana donuts, may chocolate chips siyang toppings. Yung bavarian bites naman, may palaman siyang bavarian at may toppings siyang chocolate. Para siyang Boston cream kumbaga,” he said.
What truly sets Roma’s Donuts apart from both international and local competitors is their innovative movable cart, which allows him to sell his delectable treats across various parts of Pangasinan.
“May mga physical stores din kami. Recently, may nilabas din kaming cart. Ang oras ng cart namin ay madaling araw at hapon. Para hindi masyadong mainit,” he said.
In 2023, Roma’s Donuts was invited at the #ExplorePD4 Kabuhayan Caravan, an initiative by Cong. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia to strengthen the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event was a collaborative effort with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo.
“Na-invite kami ni Cong. Toff sa mga mall para mag-display at makabenta ng products. Malaking tulong po sa aming mga small business,” he said.
On special occasions, Gacusan also crafts and customizes doughnuts depending on the customer’s preference.
“Meron kaming giant doughnut, which is nasa 7 inches in diameter. Pag may mga event, yun yung mabenta sa amin. Minsan pinapalagyan nila ng lettering at kandila. For only P90 pesos, may cake na yung bata,” he said.
Get your Roma’s Donuts today!
Ready to taste these delightful treats? For orders and reservations, you can contact Jonel Gacusan at 0970-643-8113 or reach out through Roma’s Donuts.
By Rahndal Rico/Dagupan City