By Adriana Abreu
A charming little donut truck is taking the Upper Keys by storm.
Sandbar Donuts opened in May 2021. In a short time, the delicious donuts gained popularity with locals, who come out each weekend to get their fix. And who can blame them?
These donuts are hot and fresh, and always made to order. They offer 15 completely different flavors, ranging from Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, to chocolate bacon and S’more’s. Get an entire dozen for only $16, or a donut and drink combination for $4.50.
Gourmet coffee flavors include coconut caramel crunch and triple chocolate, which change daily and can be ordered hot or iced. Special daily donut flavors are also offered, including raspberry, orange and banana, to name a few.
Family-owned and -operated, the donut business is a side gig for owners Paula and Jordan Quade, who had for a long time dreamed of owning and operating a hot cake donut truck. When the pandemic started and circumstances changed for them, they seized the opportunity. Jordan is a line worker at the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Paula has been a stay-at-home mom ever since.
Where did the inspiration come from? In 2008 while in Maryland, where Jordan is from, they first discovered hot cake donuts and were blown away at how good they were. Instantly they knew that someday they wanted to bring that experience to the Florida Keys.
The two have put a lot of effort into the business and thoroughly enjoyed crafting all of the donut and coffee flavors they offer. Even their young son, Jace, pitches in every now and then by selling fresh lemonade on the side.
Sandbar Donuts is located at MM 102 in the Sundiver Snorkel Tours parking lot. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to noon, and hope to expand those hours to Thursdays and Fridays. Their wide variety of delicious donuts and coffee, coupled with their affordable prices, make them a fun and very accessible breakfast option for the whole family.
Visit Sandbar Donuts on Facebook to learn more.
