By Mary Ann Hutcheson
If you aren’t familiar with Chapin’s Chickenbutt Donuts, drop by the popular donut shop and meet owners Tre and Sue Dabney. The whimsical business name comes from the beloved playground song, “Guess What, Chicken Butt?” In case you’re wondering, chicken does not appear in the donut ingredients.
Although both Dabneys had extensive experience in the service industry, they took jobs at Amazon for six years after their children were born. “Grownup jobs,” says Tre. But the couple’s dream of opening their donut shop called for a change; their frequent discussions soon blossomed into an actual possibility. Tre says all the best ideas came from his wife, Sue, but of the two, he was the risk taker. Despite all their research and deliberations, making it happen was another thing altogether. Neither had worked at a donut shop, made donuts, or knew anything about the business. As prospective entrepreneurs, they explored eBay, bought a forty-year-old donut machine, hooked it up in the garage, and taught themselves how to make donuts. And they got good at it. Tre says, “Once we had money in the game, signed the lease, and crossed the threshold, we were totally committed and invested.”
“Everything about this business is five-star rating! From the friendly greeting with a smile, to the great donuts!”
The shop specializes in customers creating their own donuts. Tre says, “We are committed to having a broad base of things that you would put on a donut.” Visit Tre and Sue today and delight in assembling your own specialty. Or try a “Majestic Vanilla Donut Topped with Cream Cheese Buttercream Spread and Camo Sprinkles.”
Chickenbutt Donuts
2130B Dutch Fork Rd., Chapin, SC 29036
803-862-0048
