Parkites prepare to launch Chomp Donuts & Coffee, blending classic flavors with local hospitality

Chomp Donut founders outside their new location, set to open mid September. Photo: Heather Bergeson // TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — Three Parkites are joining forces to bring a fresh take on classic donuts to Kimball Junction in the old Subway location. Chef Jeff Mahin, Rick Nemeroff, and Leah Erickson hope their upcoming shop, Chomp Donuts & Coffee, will become a sweet oasis for coffee and donut lovers.

The long-time friends first met to conceptualize Chomp four months ago, when they gathered at Nemeroff’s house to taste test donuts and make plans. Since then, they’ve been sprinting to meet their opening date in mid September. 

“It’s been so fun because we have, I think, come up with the greatest packaging, the coolest logo, the coolest brand, the greatest ethos, and it’s been this melting pot of all of our life experiences into one,” said Mahin. 

At the heart of Chomp is Mahin’s expertise in the kitchen. An accomplished chef and restaurateur, Mahin has helped run kitchens at multiple Michelin-star restaurants, but says he’s repeatedly returned to donuts as his favorite item to bake. “Everyone can go get a donut at a gas station, but they’re not really life changing,” said Mahin. “From a chef’s point of view, it’s a really fun thing to make, and then when you make it well, you get to see people smile when they eat it. That’s the greatest reward.”

Nemeroff and Erickson bring experience in business, logistics, and technology from their careers. They described the timing as perfectly serendipitous, as all three were looking for new avenues and ventures. “I’m really excited to be a part of this team, and our energy just meshes so well,” said Erickson. “It’s just so fun seeing this come to light.”

Chomp’s motto, “Simplicity, Served Fresh,” is indicative of their goal to serve classic-style donuts fresh throughout the day. “That’s why we put the kitchen in the windows,” Nemeroff said. “We want you to see that we’re making them throughout the day. We want you to see the glazing. We want you to see the cutting. We don’t want to hide anything. . . . We don’t even have a freezer. ” They’re also partnering with Millcreek Coffee Roasters, a family-owned business that roasts their coffee beans in Salt Lake. 

Along with freshness, the trio is focused on using the best ingredients available to craft their confections. According to Mahin, this also includes cryovac-sealed vanilla beans straight from Madagascar. “We’re just going to call it a vanilla bean glazed donut, but we want you eat the donut and go, ‘Why is this so good?’”

Rather than opting for prime real estate in the heart of Salt Lake City, they chose to open Chomp here in Park City and are hoping to become an anchor in the community. Beyond the donuts themselves, the team wants to create a welcoming environment that can become a gathering place. “The thing that we like best about restaurants and our jobs is the hospitality aspect,” said Mahin. “Knowing people, talking to people, being a part of a community.”

Keep an eye out for Chomp’s iconic blue boxes coming soon to Park City! They will post updates to their Instagram account, @chompdonuts as the opening date approaches.