Robin Godwin: Diablo Doughnuts Opens Tomorrow in Federal Hill

Friday, May 11, 2018

Diablo Doughnuts Opens Tomorrow in Federal Hill

Diablo Doughnuts will open its new location tomorrow at 1035 Light St. in Federal Hill at the former home of Felici Cafe. Diablo was sharing a storefront with Hot Tomatoes at 717 S. Broadway in Fells Point, but closed its operation there this week in anticipation of the move.

Diablo first announced the move to Federal Hill in November and was hoping to open in January, but owner Michael Roslan told SouthBMore.com that he had some “contractor issues” while getting the hood system ready.

Now that the issue is resolved, Roslan is thrilled to finally open. “A mountain full of stress is off of me,” Roslan told SouthBMore.com. “There is still stress, but now it’s just getting-ready-to-open stress.”

Roslan said he put in 14-hour days getting the space ready. A GoFundMe was launched to help Diablo get through the rising costs, but Roslan noted it was started by his manager and that he had it taken down soon after because he didn’t think it was needed. “I’m pretty stubborn, I want to do everything myself,” he said.

Diablo will be in a soft opening mode until Roslan can get the restaurant fully staffed. He currently has a team of seven including counter workers and the pastry team. He said he needs about 15 employees to offer customers Diablo’s full hours and menu. Diablo is currently accepting resumes for new employees.

Diablo will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am until about 4pm. It will be serving doughnuts along with milk, a special blend of Zeke’s Coffee made just for Diablo, and Zeke’s Nitro Cold Brew. Roslan hopes to be open every day and with longer hours in the near future.

Roslan will also be adding doughnut sandwiches and ice cream from BMORE LICKS ice cream shop in Canton. BMORE LICKS will also offer Diablo Doughnuts.

Diablo makes its doughnuts and all of the toppings from scratch. Popular combinations include the Unicorn Fart with Fruity Pebbles and icing, Old Bay Caramel, Maple Bacon, Blueberry Basil, Blackberry Lime, and Sweet Potato. Roslan said the dough for his yeast-rise doughnuts is not too sweet and will work well for sandwiches he plans to sell.

Diablo will have a 10 ft. bar and table seating.

Roslan, who is a native of Fells Point, was looking all over the area for a bigger space and kitchen for his growing doughnut business. He quickly jumped on the available space in Federal Hill after friend Sarah Simington, owner of Blue Moon Too, sent him a picture of the “for rent” sign.

“I really like the architecture of Federal Hill and its old school, small town feel in the middle of a big city,” he said. “People are always out walking and I’ve already met tons of neighbors over here.”

Roslan noted that many families who have visited him in Fells Point have been from Federal Hill and called his new neighborhood very family friendly. Along with Simington, Roslan is close friends with the owners of Brightside Boutique, Brightside Tattoo Shop, and Smoke BBQ. He noted he wants to bring more of the “punk rock” vibe to Federal Hill like Simington did with Blue Moon Too. Simington also has a location in Fells Point.

Roslan said he is most excited about the new kitchen in Federal Hill, which will be about four times the size of his previous kitchen. This will help Diablo prepare for events, weddings, and catering orders.