OMG Decadent Donuts opens first physical shop in Toowoomba’s Australia Arcade

After three years of farmer’s markets, pop-up shops and deliveries, a Toowoomba doughnut shop has moved into its first physical to the delight of loyal customers.

OMG Decadent Donuts Toowoomba franchise owners Robert Gillis (right) and Rob Sampson have officially moved to a bricks and mortar store inside the Australia Arcade in the CBD.

When Rob Sampson and Robert Gillis took on the challenge of making non-allergenic doughnuts three years, they had no idea they’d end up making nearly 1000 a week.

“We’re not just a fad product that will be gone tomorrow – this is our home, this is where we know people,” Mr Gillis said.

The owners of OMG Decadent Donuts have celebrated the launch of their first physical store, after spending years growing the business at farmer’s markets and pop-up shops.

Located in the revived Australia Arcade between Ruthven and Duggan Streets, the 23 sqm store is a major milestone for the friends.

OMG Decadent Donuts Toowoomba franchise owners Robert Gillis (right) and Rob Sampson have officially moved to a bricks and mortar store inside the Australia Arcade in the CBD.

“We didn’t have this goal in mind when we bought the business, but that was the best thing about it,” Mr Gillis said.

“Rob initially found it and convinced me to join him in this venture, and we’ve been able to make it full-time — this is my Monday-to-Friday.

“But it wasn’t our initial first thoughts, we just thought it was a really good-tasting product and a chance to bring something unique and different to our town.”

OMG Decadent Donuts Toowoomba franchise owners Robert Gillis (left) and Rob Sampson have officially moved to a bricks and mortar store inside the Australia Arcade in the CBD.

The pair argued its vegan, halal, gluten-free, dairy-free and egg free doughnuts, which are dusted with one of 12 different flavoured sugar coatings, were a point of difference in Toowoomba’s crowded sweet treat market.

“We’re the only coeliac, vegan, kosher and halal-certified doughnut sellers,” Mr Sampson said.

“I had a customer walk up a year ago, and it had been 35 years since she’d eaten a doughnut, because she’s a coeliac,” Mr Gillis added.

OMG Decadent Donuts Toowoomba franchise owners Robert Gillis (right) and Rob Sampson have officially moved to a bricks and mortar store inside the Australia Arcade in the CBD, much to the delight of long-time customer Barb Kelly.

Opening day on Thursday drew plenty of new and repeat buyers, including long-time customer Barb Kelly.

“They’re vegan and gluten-free and they’re delicious, which is ridiculously hard to find,” she said.

“I’m really excited (about the store), mainly because it’s really convenient and I don’t need to find out where they’re going to be.”

The doughnut shop will also be donating $1 from every doughnut sold in its first week to Tony’s Kitchen, Orange Sky and Base Services to support people dealing with homelessness.