Soaring GDP Lures Montgomery Donuts Owner Back to Business

With the backing of venture capitalists and a reinvigorated owner, Montgomery County’s favorite doughnut shop, Montgomery Donuts, is making a comeback. Stores open at or nearby every former location—and many more—early next year.

Back in 2002 when 27 inches of snow and rain collapsed the Montgomery Donuts’ factory roof on Gude Drive in Rockville, the beloved local business was already struggling amid declining GDP. "The collapse was a death knell," said owner Monty Glazer, who never reopened.

Glazer has been kicking himself ever since.

Over the past two years Montgomery County added a new doughnut outlet every 14.6 days and local GDP has skyrocketed. “Closing Montgomery Donuts was my life's biggest blunder," Glazer told The Montgonion, adding, "But it's not too late!"

GDP, or Gross Doughnut Product, is the standard measure of the value added through the production of doughnuts, muffins, and breakfast pastries in an area annually to the local economy. Montgomery County's GDP is the highest in America.

“Since the pandemic, and even the decade before, Montgomery County’s GDP doubled year over year,” said investor Bernard Beignet from Sucrose Securities LLC. “The market is unsaturated.”

Glazer says leases have been signed for Montgomery Donuts stores in Beltsville, Bethesda, Glenmont, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Rockville and Silver Spring, with plans for 100 more by the end of next year. "Stop by and take home a dozen!" said Glazer.

Regardless of local GDP and Glazer’s new-found enthusiasm, Montgomery Donuts faces stiff competition. According to ScrapeHero, there are 48 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in Montgomery County. Maryland, with 311 Dunkin’s, ranks 5th in the nation for population per Dunkin’ location, and 8th in the nation for highest childhood obesity levels.