Last batch for Belmont as Daniels Donuts forced to close

Business was booming for Daniel’s Donuts on High Street, but the property’s sale by landlords has forced the Belmont Franchise to bake its last batch.

Daniel's Donuts drive through store in Belmont has closed its doors with signs saying the building has been sold.

A cult favourite doughnut store has been forced to shut up shop after its lucrative Belmont location was put up for sale by the landlord.

Daniel’s Donuts on High St - the Victorian chain’s first drive-through location - opened its doors five years ago, with cars queuing around the block for hours when it opened in March 2020.

Doughnut lovers queued around the block for hours when Daniel’s Donuts took over the former Hungry Jacks in Belmont in 2020. picture: Glenn Ferguson

Despite the store maintaining its popularity with the community, and making it out of Covid unscathed, locals will now have to look elsewhere for their sweet treat.

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser, founder Daniel Bartalotta said his family was gutted to see it go.

“I opened that store during Corona (virus) with my dad and my wife,” he said.

“There are so many memories there, we knew it wasn’t forever but it does hurt,” he added.

While it’s currently unclear who will take over the site, which was previously a Hungry Jacks, Mr Bartalotta said a clause in the lease meant he had no choice but to vacate when the landlord decided to sell.

“There are always humps and bumps in business, but we’ll miss the store a lot.”

“I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support, we really hope to see you all again soon,” he added.

Given the store’s popularity with locals, Mr Bartalotta said he and his wife Laura would open another store in Geelong “if we come across a good location”.

Until then, customers can still satisfy their cravings at Daniel’s Donuts in Leopold, which has also welcomed the chain’s Belmont employees into the fold.

CBRE Real estate agent Scott Hawthorne said the property sold on an unconditional basis to a private investor.

“A new fast food operator will likely occupy the property later in the year given the demand across the quick service restaurant sector,” he added.

Originally published as Last batch for Belmont as Daniels Donuts forced to close