Welcome to I'm donut ?, where tradition meets innovation under the guidance of our founder, Chef Ryouta Hirako. Poised to captivate the heart of New York City with our first U.S. location in Times Square, I'm donut ? redefines the very essence of what a donut can be. We offer sweet and savory donuts, equally delicious at breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night.

OUR STORY:
Chef Ryouta Hirako is the visionary founder of the I'm donut ? concept, which originates in Japan. Chef traces his passion for cooking back to his mother, whose prowess in the kitchen captivated him as a child. He began his culinary career as a chef specializing in Italian cuisine, and soon grew his business to include a café, dried flower shop, bakeries, and later, his famous donuts.

In Japan, his concepts include Italian restaurant hiracon'chez (2012), Amam Dacotan bakery (2018), I’m donut ? (2021) and dacō (2023). His locations routinely draw impressive lines and sell out daily.

Chef Ryouta attributes his love for baking to a transformative experience at a bakery in his friend's hometown. Eight years before opening his own bakery, he became a loyal customer of this establishment, where the “shockingly delicious” baked goods shattered his preconceived notions of bread. Chef’s cooking philosophy mirrors his spontaneous nature, as he identifies as a “non-planner,” preferring to let the inspirations of the day guide his creations. He also helms the interior design of all his stores, with an imaginative vision that champions freedom of expression and individuality. His creativity is not only evident in his food, but also in the way in which he weaves a sense of story.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
The playful question mark in our name, "I'm donut ?", is a nod to our innovative approach—constantly questioning and creatively expanding the boundaries of traditional pastry. At the core of our offerings are nama donuts, known for their fresh, melt-in-the-mouth experience, and fluffy lightness. Each donut is handcrafted daily in-house, from our specialty dough to the unique toppings, ensuring an unparalleled donut experience.

WHAT IS A “nama” DONUT ?
A "nama" donut refers to a style of donut popularized in Japan. The term "nama" means "fresh" or "raw" in Japanese, and it is used to describe these donuts because of their notably fresh, soft, and moist texture. Nama donuts are less sweet compared to typical Western-style donuts. They are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and are often finished with a variety of unique glazes, toppings or fillings. This style of donut is distinguished by its focus on freshness and its delicate balance of flavors.