The Irvine Bakery Specializes in Stunning, Customized Donuts
Written by: Nicole Hakim Poqet Donuts
Photographed by: Josie Gonzales
The Expert: Fenny Yan
Credentials: Owner, Poqet Donuts
Hailing from Shanghai, China, Fenny Yan is no stranger to the donut industry. Owning a Donut Star in Dana Point—which caters to traditional donuts—Yan has taken this favorite sweet to a new level with her charming build-your-own shop in Irvine called Poqet [pronounced “pocket”] Donuts. A mom and a businesswoman, she is constantly busy, but keeps trekking on because she is passionate about what she does. Fenny Yan has made a name for herself in OC with a shop that allows not only her creativity, but also the creativity of her customers.
Q: Poqet is such an interesting concept. How did you come up with the idea of a build your own donut shop?
Fenny Yan: I just wanted to do customization for donuts. All kinds of foods can be customized nowadays—like burritos and pizza—and I wanted to bring that to donuts.
Q: Operating a business sounds difficult. How do you keep it running smoothly and effectively?
FY: Running your own business, things are nonstop. I take time to work things out. I balance my time and focus energy on it.
Q: When creating a menu, how do you brainstorm ideas?
FY: Some ideas come from our pastry chef; some ideas are from me. I like to taste different flavor combinations and foods [for inspiration].
Q: Does the menu ever go through changes? How often?
FY: Yes. We change the menu every month. We add and take away at least one flavor per month.
Q: Is there a certain set of instructions when it comes to building a donut?
FY: Yes. 1. Choose either cake or raised donut. 2. Choose your filling. 3. Choose your toppings.
Q: I bet there are some people who don’t want to take the time to build their own donut. Is there a best seller for those who don’t?
FY: The glazed donut. They don’t want to spend more time to put the toppings on. Some people just like the traditional donuts.
Q: What are some weird combinations your customers have used?
FY: It’s been pretty normal. All the ingredients go well together because they’re fresh and sweet, so nothing’s weird.
Q: What is the best thing about running your shop?
FY: I can meet a lot of new friends here. I love meeting new people.
Q: What are your dreams for the future?
FY: I want to open more locations for Poqet. I’m looking to open more in Orange County.
Native Knowledge: Poqet is especially busy on Friday and Saturday, selling at least 1, 000 donuts on each day.
Personal Best: Fenny cites passion and determination as the keys to her success.
By Design: If Fenny Yan was not in the bakery business, she would love to be involved in the fashion industry.
Fun Fact: When she’s not working and/or baking, Fenny Yan loves to spend time with her son, hang out with her friends and go to the gym.
Poqet Donuts
17655 Harvard Ave Ste B
Irvine, CA 92614
949.932.0800
Poqet Donuts makes your donut experience even sweeter.
