- September 10, 2024
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Savannah Wehde, Dakota Wehde, Natalia Kurdziel, Holly and Mike Wehde. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Savannah Wehde, Dakota Wehde, Natalia Kurdziel, Holly and Mike Wehde. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Swillerbees owner Dakota Wehde, Decorating Manager Allenniah Schuler and Ormond Beach store manager Natalia Kurdziel. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Swillerbees is offering a "Cookie Crumble" doughnut, filled with cookie dough, for the month of August. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Looking for something sweet and fruity? Swillerbees is offering a "Berry Sweet" doughnut for the month of August. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
In its first day of business in Ormond Beach on Monday, Aug. 12, Swillerbees Craft Donuts sold around 300 donuts — all before noon.
Palm Coast resident Dakota Wehde, who co-owns the doughnut bakery alongside his parents, Mike and Holly Wehde, said a line had formed outside by 5:40 a.m. Located at 200 E. Granada Blvd., the Swillerbees in Ormond Beach is the family's third store. It also marks their expansion into the Volusia market.
"This community has such a unique feel, much like Flagler has its unique feel," Dakota Wehde said. "Juts being here, you can really feel how close-knit this community is and we're really excited to be a part of that."
The Wehde family bought the Swillerbees store in Flagler Beach three years ago, opening a second location in Palm Coast last year. The family also owns Waffle Cone ice cream shop in Flagler Beach.
The storefront at 200 E. Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach had been vacant since Donnie's Donuts closed in January to consolidate operations at its One Daytona location. The Wehdes were then approached by the building's landlords, and the Swilllerbees Ormond Beach location was born.
The Wehdes have transformed the space, rebuilding and moving counters to make the seating area more spacious. In addition to new flooring, a children's play area — featuring toy doughnuts — was added. Swillerbees in Ormond also features a drive-thru.
After opening the Palm Coast Swillerbees location last year, as well as a new Waffle Cone store in Jacksonville, Mike Wehde said he and his wife were going into "rest mode." But, their son was inspired to keep going.
"We just love what God's doing through Dakota and through this new team, and watching the new team come together," Mike Wehde said. "That's a big part of what we do and what Dakota does well too, is bringing culture with teams. We're not just serving dougnuts and breakfast sandwiches. We're creating a great culture, where people feel loved, valued and known."
That's the Swillerbees motto.
"We really believe in loving our employees," Holly Wehde said. "We love them first and then it trickles over onto the customers."
Ormond Beach store manager Natalia Kurdziel first started working for the Wehdes five years ago at the Flagler Beach Waffle Cone. Opening the Ormond Beach Swillerbees store feels surreal, she said.
"The other day, we were just in here making sure everything was prepared, and the last night, we were leaving and I was like, 'Wow, I get to actually come in here and work tomorrow,'" Kurdziel said. "I get to meet who's going to become our new regulars. I get to see how the new equipment works. It's been really exciting."
Dakota Wehde said they have felt the enthusiasm in the community for Swillerbees since taking part in Taste of Ormond in May.
"We can't wait to also integrate ourselves more and more with the community and make them feel loved, valued and known," he said.
Swillerbees is open daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
