Simply Donuts: Isaac and Vanessa Broad expand into permanent shopfront at Bakewell

A husband-and-wife duo who 12 months ago took their first steps in small business, teaching themselves how to bake damn fine gluten-free doughnuts, have taken a quantum leap forward in their journey.

Grace, Isaac and Vanessa Broad at Simply Donuts Bakewell. Picture: Supplied

A Top End husband-and-wife duo who 12 months ago took their first steps in small business, teaching themselves how to bake damn fine gluten-free doughnuts, have taken a quantum leap forward in their journey.

Isaac and Vanessa Broad, the pair behind Simply Donuts, which has previously been known for its regular pop-up stalls at Casuarina Square and Gateway Shopping Centre, opened their first permanent shopfront on June 7 – National Donut Day.

The new outlet is located within Bakewell Shopping Centre and takes the place of Filipino cafe EC Eats.

Simply Donuts' new shopfront at Bakewell Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied

Mr Broad told this masthead he and his wife were inspired to change career paths and try their hand at gluten-free doughnut baking after witnessing the success of their Brisbane friends Kate and Nick Williams who are behind successful chain Nodo Donuts.

Simply Donuts founder and co-owner Isaac Broad with son Elijah at Casuarina Square. Picture: Instagram/ Simply Donuts

Prior to establishing Simply Donuts, Mr Broad worked as a social worker and horticulturalist, while Ms Broad was a personal trainer.

“I’m not a baker, not a cook, I just played around with recipes until I found something that worked,” he said.

“Most people steer clear of gluten-free because they have memories of trying something that was dry and crumbly.

Simply Donuts founder and co-owner Vanessa Broad at Casuarina Square. Picture: Instagram/ Simply Donuts

“We found something that is moist, it stays that way throughout.

“That was the key, finding something that didn’t taste gluten-free.

“We have a lot of customers who would come up and really wary of trying gluten-free, but now they’re regulars and have been for 12 months.”

Simply Donuts' new shopfront at Bakewell Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied

Mr Broad said the flavours that have truly grabbed customers included lemon meringue, triple chocolate, cookies and Caramilk, and mocha, all of which have secured a coveted place on the permanent menu.

About once a month, Simply Donuts trials a new flavour with customers, such as this month’s lemon cheesecake, where the cheesecake is piped directly on top of the fried dough.

Mr Broad said launching his own small business has been simultaneously painstaking and rewarding.

“It’s incredibly tiring and stressful, I guess that all sort of comes with it,” he said.

“I’d easily be clocking up 80-plus hour weeks at the moment, but that’s the nature of the beast.

“If you want the freedom of a small business, you’d better be working for it.

“It’s a risk but we love the adventure.”

For the Broads, who had a long-held goal of working together, another added bonus has been the ability to provide employment for their children, Elijah and Grace, as well as various nieces and nephews.

“We’re chuffed that it’s their first job, working in Mum and Dad’s shop,” Mr Broad said.