By Naya Seth
Photos courtesy of the Gallegos family
While most 13-year-olds are figuring out their favorite donut flavor, Gracee Gallegos is busy making them—and helping run the shop that serves them! Gracee isn’t just any donut fan—she’s part of the team behind Desert Donuts, the colorful shop her dad bought in early 2023. Since then, she’s been learning everything it takes to keep the donut magic rolling.
From designing fun flavors to chatting with customers, Gracee’s favorite part of the job is seeing people smile when they take that first bite of a donut. One of her best memories? Helping create the erasable art wall in the shop—so kids (and grownups) can draw, doodle, and leave sweet messages behind.
Gracee is also learning how to be a boss. She’s picked up skills like marketing and franchising, as her family plans to open 25 new shops in Colorado, with two currently open. That’s a lot of donuts—and a lot of responsibility!
Gracee and her dad are also writing a picture book together called “The Magical Donut Shop – The Adventures of Dottie and Chip,” starring their adorable donut mascots. The characters even appear as plushies and keychains, which Gracee helped design.
Giving back is a big part of what makes Desert Donuts extra sweet. They team up with charities like Autism Awareness and Parkinson’s foundations. They create special donuts for the cause and donate a portion of the profits. They also help feed the homeless.
With over 70 donut flavors, a theme song on TikTok, and plans for a new dance challenge, there’s no telling what Gracee and her family will cook up next. One thing’s for sure—this is one teen who’s taking life one delicious donut at a time.
Desert Donuts’ Arizona location is a located at 3134 W. Carefree Hwy., in Phoenix. For more information, visit desertdonuts.com.
