Get ready Chicagoans, some of the best craft donuts in the city are headed to Time Out Market Chicago!
Firecakes Donuts, the artisan shop from husband and wife Jonathan and Karen Fox, will join the Market’s impressive lineup on March 23. The fried dough specialist opened its first location in River North 10 years ago, and has since expanded to four outposts and a food truck.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring our beloved concept to Time Out Market Chicago,” Jonathan Fox said. “The Market is known for offering the best of the city under one roof and we are honored to be a part of that and share our history and tradition with guests.”
Started in 2013 as a passion project by the Foxes, Firecakes Donuts is inspired by Karen Fox’s great-grandfather Billy Hobbs, who was a baker in the logging camps of northern Wisconsin during the ‘30s. Using limited resources to feed large groups of workers, Hobbs whipped up “firecakes” in a cast iron pot over open flames. Today, the shop’s creations are based off of the original recipe.
At Firecakes Donuts, you can expect a wide range of flavors that range from classics like buttermilk old fashioned and jelly bismarck to an inventive Tahitian Vanilla Iced featuring floral Tahitian vanilla paste and white chocolate pearls. Whatever your preference, though, you won’t have to worry about not finding it at the Market—the shop’s entire selection of donuts will be on offer, which typically includes around 16-20 varieties. You’ll be able to get donut ice cream sandwiches and a host of coffees and cold beverages as well.
While the local donut scene has exploded in recent years, Firecakes Donuts remains at the forefront by making everything in-house throughout the day and using premium, locally-sourced ingredients. This commitment to excellence is evident in every bite.
“We’re definitely more of a craft donut,” Jonathan Fox said. “We’re very chef-inspired, we’re very seasonal. I think we focus more on separating ourselves with quality ingredients and simple compositions.”
Seasonality also means the options rotate monthly to highlight unique flavors such as king cake, eggnog and tiramisu. And there’s usually something new in the works so each visit may yield surprises.
“We’re inspired by some of our favorite desserts and how we can express them in a donut,” Jonathan Fox said, adding that he sees an opportunity to collaborate with other chefs in the Market to create special sweet treats.
Firecakes Donuts will officially debut at Time Out Market Chicago on Thursday, March 23 and be open seven days a week. Take a look at some of the shop’s offerings below.
