{"id":170379,"date":"2025-04-15T16:17:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T07:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?post_type=news&p=170379&lang=en"},"modified":"2025-04-15T16:17:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T07:17:37","slug":"im-donut-open-nyc","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/news\/im-donut-open-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"Fukuoka-Based “I’m Donut?” To Open In NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fukuoka\u2019s signature nama-donut brand “I’m donut?” will launch its first international location in New York City\u2019s Times Square on April 22, 2025. Operated by peace put Co., Ltd., led by Fukuoka-based chef Ryota Hirako, the new shop\u2014strategically located at Broadway and 45th Street\u2014marks a major milestone in the company\u2019s global expansion plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Times Square location will offer 15 types of donuts, including nine items exclusive to the New York market. In addition to the brand’s signature fluffy nama-donuts, the menu will introduce uniquely Japanese flavors such as \u201cSake Cream,\u201d \u201cMatcha Cream,\u201d and \u201cChicken Ginger Teriyaki.\u201d Vegan-friendly options and a local-inspired PB&J flavor have also been developed in response to U.S. dietary trends.<\/span><\/p>\n

The store design reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics, incorporating elements of <\/span>wabi-sabi<\/span><\/i> to create a calm, immersive environment amidst the bustle of Times Square. The space features a large natural stone counter sourced from New York State and a prominent “I’m donut?” sign. A fully open kitchen allows customers to watch the donut-making process from start to finish, adding an element of entertainment aligned with its high-profile location.<\/span><\/p>\n

Art director Yuni Yoshida has created four original visual artworks for the Times Square store, using real ingredients like donuts, sausages, and cream to symbolize the brand’s commitment to creative innovation. These visuals also appear on exclusive merchandise available only at the New York location.<\/span><\/p>\n

To commemorate the overseas launch, two limited-time donuts\u2014”Meccha NY” and \u201cStrawberry Nama Jam with Peanut Butter Cream\u201d\u2014will also be sold at the Shibuya and Tenjin branches starting April 15.<\/span><\/p>\n

CEO Hirako stated that this expansion reflects his long-held vision to bring Japan\u2019s unique nama-donut culture to a global stage, starting with what he sees as the heartland of donuts: the U.S. The brand began in Tokyo\u2019s Nakameguro with the goal of establishing nama-donuts as a lasting part of food culture rather than a passing trend. The Times Square store represents a key test in that broader strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m donut?” plans to continue introducing its handmade donuts to new markets around the world. <\/span>Source: <\/b>I’m donu<\/span>t?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Fukuoka-Based<\/p>\n

\"Fukuoka-Based<\/p>\n

Stay informed with the latest Fukuoka & Kyushu news and events in English. Sign up for our <\/span>free weekly newsletter <\/span><\/a>today and never miss a beat. Opt out anytime, your privacy is our priority. Get the inside scoop with <\/span>The Now<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Summaries based on public content, errors may occur during translation. Images credited independently. Send feedback using <\/span>this <\/span>form<\/b>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fukuoka\u2019s signature nama-donut brand “I’m donut?” will launch its first international location in New York City\u2019s Times Square on…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29305,"featured_media":170392,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-170379","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-fukuoka-prefecture","news-category-general","en-US"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/170379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29305"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=170379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/170392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=170379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=170379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}