NoDa doughnut shop was two years in the making. Now, it’s officially open.
After years of doling out gluten-free treats from a food truck, Donut I Love U has officially opened the doors on a permanent storefront.
On Sunday, March 29, the family-run bakery celebrated the soft opening its first ever brick-and-mortar shop on East 35th Street in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. Expect gluten-free mini doughnuts, specialty coffee and more.
Plans for the shop were first announced in 2023, with hopes to open by the end of that year, co-founder Lindsey Patel told CharlotteFive at the time.
“This is gonna be a place where people can meet their neighbors, have coffee with them or have a place to walk with their kids,” she said.
The bakery faced a few setbacks, however. In a recent Instagram post, the owners shared what was supposed to be an $80,000 build out wound up costing nearly $390,000. Still, Patel and her business partner, Mithoon Patel, vowed to push on.
“We’re still here,” they wrote at the time. “We’re almost there.”
At the new 704-square-foot shop, Donut I Love U promises a variety of gluten-free pastries. There’s something for everyone, from classic powdered doughnuts to its American Pie creation — three mini doughnuts topped with cinnamon-marinated Granny Smith apples, caramel sauce and whipped cream.
The shop also has an expanded menu of specialty drinks including tea, coffee and Italian sodas.
Donut I Love U didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Donut I Love U
Location: 908 E 35th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cuisine: Gluten-free donuts, coffee and more
Instagram: @donutiloveu
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 11:39 AM.