From Farmers Market Tent to Johnson City Staple: The Story of Auntie Ruth Donuts

If you live in Johnson City, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Auntie Ruth Donuts. And if you’ve tasted them, you already know — this place is something special. But what many people don’t know is the story behind how it all started.

I recently sat down with the owners, Roman and Ruth, to talk about how they went from a small setup at the Johnson City Farmers Market to one of the most popular donut shops in the Tri-Cities.

How It All Started

Like many small businesses, Auntie Ruth Donuts didn’t start with a big business plan. It started out of necessity.

When the economy slowed down and construction work became inconsistent, Roman needed a way to supplement income and help pay for groceries. So they started making donuts and selling them at the Johnson City Farmers Market — first under a tent for two years, and then in a concession trailer after the health department required a more permanent setup.

That push into a trailer ended up being a turning point. The business grew from one trailer to three, sometimes running in multiple locations across the Tri-Cities at the same time.

The Move to Brick and Mortar

For years, they never planned to open a physical store. In fact, Roman once said that a brick-and-mortar location would be something for the next generation.

But eventually, the opportunity presented itself. Their first storefront opened near Troyer’s, which allowed them to free up their trailers and expand. After realizing how successful that location was, they made a big decision — they shut down the trailers and focused entirely on brick-and-mortar locations.

And the Johnson City location? It took off immediately. Lines wrapped around the building during the first few weeks after opening.

Built on Hard Work and Community

One of the most interesting parts of their story is that they never had a moment where they thought the business wouldn’t work. It was hard work — especially during festival season when they would travel, work long hours, and get very little sleep — but it was also some of their most profitable and rewarding times.

They credit a lot of their success to the community support in the Tri-Cities. Over the years, they’ve built relationships with customers, employees, and other local businesses that helped them grow into what they are today.

What Makes Their Donuts Different?

According to Roman and Ruth, the answer is simple: real ingredients and high standards.

They use real butter, milk, eggs, and quality ingredients — not cheap mixes — and they are constantly trying to improve their product. Recently, they even switched to frying their donuts in beef tallow as part of their effort to continue improving quality.

But beyond ingredients, they believe something else matters just as much: culture.

They focus heavily on creating a positive work environment and investing in their employees. From their perspective, if you have happy employees and a strong culture, that translates into a better product and a better customer experience.

A Family-Friendly Business

One thing that really stands out about Auntie Ruth Donuts is that it’s built for families. They even created a kids’ corner in the shop with coloring pages, crayons, and a space where kids can hang out while parents enjoy their coffee and donuts.

The owners made it clear — kids are not a bother to them. They’re a welcome part of the business and part of what makes the atmosphere special.

What Should You Order First?

If you’re going for the first time and feel overwhelmed by the menu, their recommendation is simple:

Start with a classic glazed donut and a pretzel. Then come back and try more.

Some of their biggest sellers include:

• Bavarian cream donuts
• Strawberry cream (made with local strawberries when in season)
• Peach and blueberry cream filled donuts

They even shared that one of their largest recent orders was over 700 donuts.

Final Thoughts

The story of Auntie Ruth Donuts is a perfect example of how many great local businesses start — not with a massive plan, but with hard work, consistency, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

From a tent at the farmers market… to food trucks across the region… to brick-and-mortar locations and dozens of employees… all right here in the Tri-Cities.

And according to Roman and Ruth, none of it would have been possible without the support of the local community.

So if you haven’t been yet, this is your sign to go check them out.

And if you want to learn more about local businesses, places to visit, and what it’s like to live in Johnson City and the Tri-Cities, make sure to follow along for more local business spotlights.