We were lucky to catch up with Hiroshi Yamamoto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hiroshi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. undefined

In the early days of transitioning from an Omakase sushi chef to a donut baker, I faced the significant challenge of harmonizing the delicate art of sushi-making with the dynamic world of baking. This shift allowed me to apply the precision and respect for ingredients that I developed in high-end sushi restaurants to the bakery setting. Now, when creating donuts priced between $1 and $2—part of everyday life unlike the luxury of sushi—I utilize these skills daily. Despite seeming simplicity, producing hundreds of donuts each day proved to be more complex, as donuts are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and timing, requiring consistent precision.

This attention to detail is a philosophy that extends beyond baking; it connects to my past experiences where relationships with Japanese green tea producers, agricultural exporters, and sea fishermen have been pivotal. These connections not only inspire our product innovations but also ensure the sourcing of unique ingredients that elevate our pastries, turning each day at the bakery into a special event enriched by a fresh, meticulous approach to traditional baking. Currently, I am developing new donut products that incorporate unique Japanese ingredients. This effort, still in the experimental phase, aims to fuse traditional Japanese flavors with classic American donuts, setting our bakery apart and promising new, unexpected tastes for our customers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Taking over the family bakery from my father-in-law brought warm encouragement from our regular customers, who treasured the continuity of a family-run business. Their supportive messages and gifts highlighted their relief and joy that the bakery would remain in caring hands. Adjusting to bakery life meant sleep now became a luxury—where I once could count on ample rest, now I found myself grateful for even five hours a night. This new rhythm was essential to balance my responsibilities at the bakery and precious moments with my children after school.

Amid these personal sacrifices, the learning curve was steep. Numerous batches of donuts and sausage rolls were discarded in the quest for perfection, a testament to our commitment to quality. The community’s support, however, turned these trials into triumphs. One particularly memorable moment was when a customer asked for a bakery t-shirt, eager to wear it and promote our business. This gesture not only warmed my heart but also reinforced the strong bonds we were building with our patrons.

As I draw upon my diverse experiences—from leading a multicultural NPO and exporting Japanese ingredients, to advising on Japanese tea, and engaging in culinary arts, professional fishing, judo coaching, and even content creation on YouTube—I’m crafting unique bakery products that reflect these rich influences. Now, as I approach 40, the bakery has truly become the heart of my world. The commitment and daily feedback from our customers, who have turned from patrons into friends, inspire me to keep innovating. Each smile and high-five fuels my passion to continue spreading joy through our distinct culinary creations, making every sleep-deprived day immeasurably worthwhile.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most vivid tales of my resilience began when I was 19, embarking on a solo bike ride from Chicago to Dallas. With minimal English skills, I faced not only the physical challenge but also a severe storm on the very first day that rendered my cellphone useless. Armed only with a soaked map, my journey through relentless rain and an unexpected tornado near Texas tested my endurance to its limits. This harrowing adventure mirrored the resilience required throughout my professional life, from my early days as a server at a Japanese sushi restaurant to eventually opening a bakery.

As I transitioned into culinary roles, each step required perseverance and adaptiveness—from embracing the local fascination with Japanese culture in the U.S. to obtaining a fisherman’s license and delving into traditional Japanese culinary practices at an eel specialty restaurant. My entrepreneurial spirit was further tested when I ventured into exporting Japanese products, a challenging undertaking that taught me the harsh realities of international business. These experiences forged the path to my most resilient venture yet—running a bakery.

In this bakery, I apply all the skills I’ve honed over the years, from meticulous ingredient selection to innovative product development. Each pastry and donut we create offers a taste of my journey, embodying the spirit of resilience from that rain-soaked bike ride. This bakery isn’t just a business; it’s a living testament to a spirit that stands strong through societal shifts and personal challenges, continuously striving to delight customers and transform everyday moments into extraordinary experiences.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of relentless self-challenge and a commitment to innovation in product development. By incorporating locally sourced Texas ingredients and pioneering new fermentation techniques, I’ve been able to offer distinct flavors that resonate with our community. This commitment extended through the early, challenging days of my business, where I embraced a cycle of continuous trial, error, and refinement for over 100 days. Alongside this, my partnership with my wife has profoundly influenced both our personal and business growth, allowing us to synergize our strengths and navigate the complexities of business with a united front. Our joint endeavor is fueled by resilience and innovation, continuously striving to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers can start their days positively. We aim to make our bakery a place where every morning begins with a smile, transforming routine moments into positive experiences, akin to spending time with family and friends. This dedication to enhancing our customers’ mornings is integral to our service, helping to save their precious time and reinforcing our reputation for quality and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stacydonuts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacy_donuts_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacydonuts/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stacy-donut-mckinney

Image Credits

Photo by Reika, Ruben