Four Inane Questions with Johnny Chen of Mr. D’s Donut Shop

Johnny Chen of Mr. D’s Donuts. // Courtesy photo

There’s a good chance that when you read this, Johnny Chen is up to his eyeballs in glaze, frosting, and sprinkles. He and his wife, Boggie Otgonbayar, took over Mr. D’s Donut Shop from Johnny’s godparents back in 2018. 

Over the last five years, the duo has created something of a local pastry empire here in the metro. In fact, business has been such a boon that Chen left his corporate job “in 2023 to focus on building Mr. D’s and expanding business,” he says. 

Chen, who moved from Taiwan “when he was a kid,” tells us he’s been working hard to incorporate his Asian heritage into the donut shop, like introducing mochi ring donuts and Asian flavors.

If the line out the door clamoring for Chiefs-themed donuts was any indication, the fluffy, fresh, and flavorful donut duo have found their proverbial calling. We caught up with Chen after the morning rush to inundate him with our insipid questionnaire. We’re still not sure how we got covered in powdered sugar. Bless. 

Chiefs donuts at Mr. D’s. // Courtesy photo

The Pitch: What’s a shockingly odd but surprisingly good ingredient for donut flavoring/toppings?

Johnny Chen: Bacon! We were all worried about how the crowd would react when we first rolled out the maple bacon long john, but it was an instant hit. 

Thirty-minute nap or 3-hour nap? Which is better? 

Thirty minutes. I’ve tried both methods, and 30-minute naps work out much better for me. I think this is because the body enters a deep sleep around that time, and waking up from a deep sleep can lead to grogginess, according to the Sleeping Foundation.

What’s one ridiculous thing you’ve always wanted to splurge on if you had the money?

Close the shop for about two weeks and take our staff on an all-inclusive vacation.

If you could only eat one donut for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Our honey dip or classic glazed. This is the fundamental foundation—the base for any donut. I like to keep things simple, and often, less is more.