Episode#74

We delve into the intricate process of crafting the perfect doughnut with Jim & Rose Stoupas, founders of Walker's Doughnuts. 

As a food technologist, Jim provides expert insights into the technical and creative aspects of doughnut making, sharing in detail, what sets their doughnuts apart.

In Episode#74 - We covered the importance of taste, shape, and texture, emphasising the role of the ‘plimsoll ring’ in proofing and frying. Jim also discusses the challenges of maintaining a doughnut’s visual appeal, from getting the perfect fondant shine to ensuring toppings stay crunchy despite moisture. 

Walker’s only uses high-quality ingredients, like their freshly made custard, and we share the behind-the-scenes development of unique doughnut flavours like the toffee apple filling, cherry strudel, and the New Zealand-inspired ‘bronut’ and more.

We also cover the difficulties of rising ingredient costs, especially in chocolates, and the business strategy of ensuring quality doesn’t suffer despite these challenges. Expansion and franchise models are explored, where franchisees will receive doughnuts pre-decorated, adding final touches to ensure consistent quality. 

The episode highlights the precision, craftsmanship, and passion behind creating exceptional doughnuts while addressing the operational aspects of running a doughnut brand.

00:00 Introduction to the topic of the episode and Jim & Rose Stoupas from Walker's Doughnuts, focusing on what makes an exceptional doughnut.

00:31 Doughnut Basics and Taste, Jim discusses the fundamental importance of taste and the technical aspects that make a great doughnut, like shape, weight, and doughnut texture.

01:24 The Plimsoll Ring, Jim explains the significance of the "plimsoll ring," which indicates proper proofing and frying, ensuring the doughnut rises and maintains its shape.

02:50 Topping and Decoration Techniques and the importance of visual appeal and decoration is discussed, with emphasis on the perfect fondant shine and how it affects consumer attraction.

04:21 Toffee Apple Filling, which took time to perfect, highlighting the process of achieving the right caramelisation for a unique flavour.

5:07 Crunch and Moisture Control in a white fondant product with cookie crumb on it from a manufacturer that specialises in crumb

6:11 Bavarian Cream and Custard blend and the importance of fresh, high-quality custard in Walker's Doughnuts and how they make it in-store daily to maintain premium taste

07:20 Cherry Strudel Doughnut and the inspiration behind the cherry strudel doughnut and the importance of achieving the right ‘crown’ and ‘spread’ during the proofing process

08:17 Proofing and Frying and the yeast proofing process, why it's essential, and how it affects the doughnut’s rise, texture, and flavour.

09:43 Bronut: The New Zealand Classic, a jam and cream doughnut inspired by New Zealand's classic style, and how icing sugar is used to avoid moisture issues.

11:14 Triple Chocolate Doughnut with proprietary chocolate fondant and the importance of using high-quality cocoa for an intense chocolate experience

13:12 Maintaining Quality Amid Cost Challenges with the rising cost of ingredients, like chocolate, and how Walker's Doughnuts has maintained its commitment to quality despite cost increases.

14:18 The famous Babe Ruth Doughnut featuring peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate, with craftsmanship involved in its creation.

15:33 Franchisee Model for Doughnut Decoration evolving the business model, where franchisees will receive pre-decorated doughnuts, allowing them to add final touches in-store to ensure consistency

16:45 Skilled Bakers and Expansion and the expertise of their baking team, who have developed an instinct for doughnut production, and the expansion plans for the Walker's Doughnuts brand

18:08 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: magnetic business media

Listen or Watch on SPOTIFY HERE | Listen or Watch on Apple Podcasts HERE

Listen or Watch on Amazon Music HERE