Donut business sweet for student Luke (19)
Meadows Shopping Centre manager, Adrian Farrell tries out some of the mini dohnuts which are on sale at the centre at the weekends from dohnut stall owner Luke Vogan, right. Also included is assistant Allabell Hanna. INPT30-210.
A FORMER Portadown College student has come up with an innovative way of making some extra ‘dough’ to fund his studies - by setting up a mini donut company.
Luke Vogan (19), who has just finished his first year of architecture at the University of Ulster, takes a break from all things drawing-related at the weekends to man his kiosk at the Meadows Shopping Centre.
The Mini Doh’nut Company, which is located at the former Eason’s unit, has been doing a roaring trade in the freshly cooked, sweet treats, so much so that Luke has taken on a member of staff - Annabel Hanna, a pupil at the College.
He said, “I have actually had the business for three years but it’s only recently, when I started university and had no money whatsoever, that I decided to give it a proper go.
“I have been at the Meadows since May and I am turning over a profit, even though I never really expected this to take off and make money. But it’s a unique product in the area, and seems to be popular with shoppers.”
He added, “I am not guaranteed a job at the end of my course and will have an enormous amount of debt to pay off, so this will hopefully help to keep me out of the red.”
The Mini Doh’nut Company, which has just taken possession of a new, purpose-built, Homer Simpson-themed kiosk, is at the Meadows from just before lunch until 9pm on Fridays and from 10am-9pm on Saturdays.
Jams and dips are available to complement the donuts and Luke also hopes to add Slush Puppies to the menu at the end of this month.
He said, “I have had a lot of help from Adrian Farrell, manager of the Meadows, and from my dad Lucas, who has given me financial support, so I would like to thank both of them.”
Adrian Farrell, manager of the Meadows, said, “I am delighted to have Luke and the Mini Doh’nut company in the Meadows and wish them every continued success.”
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Weather for Portadown
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
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Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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