Nomad Donuts Opens Doors in North Park

A long beloved donut shop in Normal Heights is expanding. Their new, larger location in North Park will open its doors Wednesday, August 23, 2017. The new location will allow them to expand their delicious sweet offerings while adding bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries to their menu.

The new Nomads will take over the former Lady of the Lake bookstore, at 3102 University Avenue (next door to U-31 and across the street from Urbn pizza). Owner Brad Keiller said, “Our new University Avenue location is the realization of a vision we had back in February 2015…I’m even more excited to give Kristianna and the Nomad crew the tools and facility they deserve and can’t wait to share their creativity with the neighborhood.”

Nomad Donuts’ second location will be an expanded and evolved version of its original, nationally–acclaimed shop on 30th Street in Normal Heights. It also made the list of best donuts according to SDEntertainer. Their original location will still dish out tons of sweet treats, so don’t worry if you live off Adams Avenue. Those in North Park and beyond will now find it even easier to try the eclectic and worldly flavors from this craft-donunt shop.

Courtesy Photo by Tim Otto Photography

In addition, to donuts like the Haupia Custard Thai Peanut Butter, Strawberry Jam Chamomile, Blueberry Lavender Crueller, and their fan-favorite Ube Taro Coconut, they offer traditional flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate and Maple. At the North Park location you’ll also find Montreal-inspired, wood fired bagels reminiscent of owner Brad Keiller’s youth in Canada; a variety of breakfast and mid-day sandwiches; and a “Chef’s Counter” featuring savory and sweet baked goods per the whims of Executive Pastry Chef Kristianna Zabala – notable for her win on Cooking Channel’s Sugar Showdown last fall.

Zabala handcrafts every donut using small batch ingredients from farmers markets, produce from community retailers like Specialty Produce and cage free, organic eggs from local farmers. There is no doubt this “Chef’s Counter” will put out some unique, delectable, one of a kind creations that she is so well known for.

Courtesy Photo by Tim Otto Photography

The shop’s large interior will boast an open kitchen and floor to ceiling windows through which passers-by can view Nomad’s unique bagel-making process and wood fire oven. Along the counter, guests can peruse a trio of light and bright display cases housing the day’s made-from-scratch donuts, bagels and other pastries. Aqua walls, colorful tiling and hardwood countertops create a Caribbean feel, while assorted wooden captain’s chairs and tables atop a polished concrete floor add to the shop’s slightly rustic charm.

Nomad Donuts will continue carrying its Nomad Signature Drip Blend and Signature Espresso Blend from Global Coffee Trading, while expanding its coffee program to feature limited edition single origin varietals. Guests should watch for coffee soda drinks, a decaf option, and beverages inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture such as the trending flat white.

Courtesy Photo by Tim Otto Photography

Nomad Donuts’ new location will continue selling merchandise such as house made jams, macarons and casual apparel. Future possibilities for the North Park shop include outdoor seating, chef-crafted breads and croissants, craft beer and wine, just to name a few.

The one thing is for sure, if you want to get a taste of these delicious treats, especially tomorrow, you’ll want to line up early. The Normal Heights location regularly sells out, and tomorrow looks to be a big day for the Nomad crew.