Velvet Creme Doughnuts is a historic doughnut shop in Miami, Florida. The company’s history dates back to 1947 when Jim Hadler founded it as a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shop. It later became Hadler’s Dixie Cream Donut Shop, which was open for a short period before Velvet Creme Doughnuts.
The doughnut shop quickly became a beloved establishment in Miami, known for its fresh and delicious doughnuts. Velvet Creme gained popularity for its classic glazed doughnuts, which were made using a secret recipe that contributed to their unique taste and texture.
A second location near the University of Miami opened on June 4th, 1977. Velvet Creme Doughnuts became a favorite among locals and visitors alike and established itself as a Miami institution.
The Velvet Creme Doughnut company also gained fame for its fundraising efforts and was available exclusively in Farm Stores and Winn Dixie Supermarkets.
However, despite its success, Velvet Creme Doughnuts faced challenges in the 21st century. In 2000, the original Velvet Creme location on Eighth Street closed, and the University of Miami location closed shortly after.
Velvet Creme Doughnuts is BACK
Fortunately, the brand was revived in 2015 when Robert Taylor (son-in-law of Gary Hadler, who was the son of Jim Hadler), along with a couple of investors, revived the Velvet Creme Doughnuts name and recipes. The initial re-launch was via a food truck, which made its debut at the Burger Beast Burgie Awards in Hialeah on January 31st, 2015.
The new owners aimed to preserve the brand’s nostalgic charm while introducing it to a new generation of doughnut enthusiasts. After looking at the spot next to Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester, which didn’t work out, construction has begun on a Velvet Creme Doughnuts flagship store at 8291 NE 2nd Avenue.
Then, that space fell through, but not before they secured a space in Little Havana. The new location in Little Havana (1555 SW 8th St, Miami) continued the tradition of offering freshly made, high-quality doughnuts.
Velvet Creme Doughnuts opened on October 14th, 2017, to much fanfare. Unfortunately, a dispute over how to run the doughnut shop caused its permanent closure on July 1st, 2019.
Robert Taylor continues to keep the brand alive online and is currently looking for investors to open in Miami and the Caribbean.
That picture of the box of donuts really takes me back. I used to eat a half dozen Long Johns for lunch in high school (through June 1978) and too often after. I REALLY miss Velvet Creme. ALL their donuts were good. I loved the cinnamon twist too. I can’t think of high school without thinking of Velvet Creme. Many things were discussed at the table LOL
Everyone who waxes nostalgic about Velvet Creme always talks Long Johns.