Springfield’s longtime family‑owned bakery, St. George’s Donuts, announced plans to expand its East Sunshine Street location by incorporating the vacant storefront that once housed Lloyds Dry Cleaners. The expansion will create a drive‑thru window and allow the shop to broaden its menu, particularly its savory offerings.
Drive‑thru adds convenience for customers
Owner Nick St. George said the opportunity to add a drive‑thru came as the neighboring space became available after Lloyds closed in 2025. “It was an opportunity to add a drive‑thru to the business, and I think it’s something that customers would appreciate on a bad weather day or sometimes you’re in a hurry,” St. George explained. Signage for St. George’s Donuts is already up on the former dry‑cleaner storefront, though the exact date the bakery will begin using the new area has not been set.
New menu focus on savory items
In addition to the convenience of a drive‑thru, St. George’s plans to expand its menu with more savory items. The bakery introduced kolaches last year and intends to build on that success. “We started making kolaches in the last year, so we wanted to add onto our savory items,” the owner said, indicating that future offerings may include additional baked goods and breakfast‑style foods.
Recent growth and community roots
St. George’s Donuts, which first opened in Springfield in 1971, has been actively expanding in recent months. Earlier this month the company opened a new store in Nixa, reflecting a broader strategy to keep the “local thing” alive while pursuing growth. Nick St. George purchased the East Sunshine Street property from his mother, Katy, in 2015 and renovated the space in 2021, demonstrating a multigenerational commitment to the community.
The expansion aligns with a trend of small, family‑run businesses adapting to changing consumer habits by adding drive‑thru capabilities and diversifying menus. For Springfield residents, the added convenience and new food options are expected to enhance the downtown dining landscape while preserving a beloved local brand.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
