by Sue Menon
Duck Donuts, the made-to-order donut franchise, is celebrating six successful months in College Point, Queens! Located inside the Whitepoint Shopping Center, the store has quickly become a neighborhood favorite—not only for its fresh, customizable donuts, but also for its strong community ties.
Owned and operated by brothers Christopher and Brandon Molina, along with their childhood friend Julio Caceda, the three Queens natives always wanted to be business owners. Their determination showed even before the doors opened. In fact, the space that now houses Duck Donuts wasn’t even listed on the market. Christopher spotted that it was vacant, called the landlord directly, and secured the space. It was a small but telling example of the kind of hustle and resourcefulness needed to run a successful business.
Since its opening, Duck Donuts College Point has made community engagement a priority. Earlier this year, the shop hosted the Fidelis Girl Scout troop event, where children learned about entrepreneurship while enjoying freshly made donuts. The team also participated in Career Day at P.S. 29 and P.S. 31, introducing students to the basics of business while handing out treats. For Teacher Appreciation Week, they also visited several middle schools to drop off boxes of donuts, a gesture that was warmly received by staff and educators.
At the shop itself, the made-to-order process draws people in. Customers watch as donuts are fried, coated and topped on the spot, choosing from a wide range of flavors and combinations. From simple cinnamon sugar to signature creations like maple bacon, the menu offers options for every taste. Coffee, breakfast sandwiches and donut sundaes round out the menu offerings.
The response from College Point residents has been steady and supportive, with families stopping in after school, shoppers taking breaks during errands, and groups ordering boxes of donuts for celebrations. For the owners, it’s a sign that their blend of fresh products and community involvement is resonating with the neighborhood.
As Duck Donuts College Point marks its half-year milestone, the owners remain focused on growth while keeping the community at the heart of their business. With a quack and a smile, they say the recipe for success is simple: warm donuts, local pride, and remembering consistency is key. Take small steps toward your goals, one webbed foot at a time.
