Folks seeking a sweet treat in Brookfield will be happy to discover diminutive donuts rolling around town. The Chicago Donut Company, a food truck established in 2017, has been transforming traditional breakfast treats into miniature morsels designed to be shared among friends.
“There is such joy in watching in watching kids do that warm donut bobble,” said Jose Balaguer, owner of Chicago Donut Company. “There is nothing that brings a smile to a person’s face faster than a hot, fresh donut.”
Balaguer does not have a culinary background, but a trip to Maine changed his trajectory in 2016. He was working 80 hours a week in as the North American manager for a high-end car company and when he discovered his friend was selling donuts from a food truck.
“I didn’t even realize I was looking for work-life balance,” said Balaguer. “But once I saw the truck, I extended my stay to learn more about the business.”
After spending a few days slinging freshly fried donuts and watching them bring happiness to countless customers, Balaguer decided to reorganize his life and bring his own version of the bite-sized treats to Brookfield.
While he still works in the automobile sales industry during the week, Balaguer brings his matte black truck out on the evenings and weekends. The truck, emblazoned with a Dia de los Muertos inspired skull with some Chicago flag inspired details, churns out a rotating variety of silver dollar-sized, all-natural donuts. They sold by the half dozen in eco-friendly packages made from 100-percent post-consumer use recycled cardboard.
Cinnamon sugar and cocoa sugar varieties are always on the Chicago Donut Company menu and are fried fresh to order and packaged in a bright pink bag. They are delivered while piping hot to eager customers and come with a warning to wait a few minutes before digging in.
Traditional chocolate and vanilla glazed options are popular and sold alongside colorful sprinkle topped rings and a maple bacon offering. Balaguer rotates his menu every two weeks and patrons can expect to find donuts topped with colorful cereal, crunchy cookies and even barbecue pulled pork.
The truck is designed to be profitable, but Balaguer is clear that money is not the driver behind his passion for donuts.
“I want to bring people together and sugar brings people together,” said Balaguer. “Cookies and cupcakes may come and go, but donuts are part of the American spirit.”
Though they will take the July 4 weekend off, the Chicago Donut Company truck is typically found in a pair of Brookfield locations. Residents should expect to find the truck near Eight Corners on Saturdays and at Tom-n-Lou’s 34 Drive In, 8819 Ogden Ave., on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The truck is also available for private events.
You can follow Chicago Donut Company on Facebook (facebook.com/thechicagodonutco) to stay up to date on their schedule and any weather related adjustments.
