Mooresville donut shop employs eight staff with disabilities

Mooresville is home to a growing number of small businesses that employ individuals with disabilities. Down for Doughnuts, located at 880 E. Iredell Ave., is one such operation. The shop opened in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic.

David Cooper, the owner, spent his previous career as a banker. He decided to retire early to pursue a new venture with his wife, Lisa Cooper, and their son, Zach. Zach was born in 1989 and has Down syndrome, a cleft palate, congenital cataracts, and hearing issues.

Cooper said the idea for the business came directly from Zach. When the family asked Zach what kind of business he wanted to be part of, he chose a donut shop. "When Zach was young, he wanted to go to work with his dad," Lisa Cooper said. "At first we didn't know what that would be."

The decision to open the shop was also driven by Zach's educational requirements. David Cooper explained that Zach needed work hours to complete his Occupational Course of Study degree at Mooresville High School. "To do that, they have to get work hours," Cooper said. "We had a really hard time finding places that would allow Zach to work."

The family eventually secured those hours through a local Food Lion and Johnny Brusco's on the Lake, but the experience highlighted a gap in local employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This led to the creation of Down for Doughnuts, which now employs eight individuals with disabilities.

Transitioning from banking to the donut industry presented a learning curve for the Coopers. They focus on making custom donuts fresh every day. David Cooper noted that any leftover inventory is donated to local soup kitchens and organizations serving unsheltered individuals. "One of the things that really makes us special is the ability to make custom Doughnuts," Cooper said.

Zach currently works the cash register, a role he enjoys because it allows him to meet customers. His favorite donut is maple bacon. He recently created a special variety called the Elvis, which is a Bavarian cream-filled donut with peanut butter icing and bacon toppings.

The business is supported by the Down for Doughnuts Foundation, established to support the company's motto of "Made to Inspire." The foundation raises funds to support Down for Doughnuts and other local businesses that hire people with special needs. Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status and can be made monthly or as one-time gifts through givebutter.com/DownforDoughnuts.

The shop operates Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. It offers catering, custom cakes, and cupcakes. Customers can reach the business at 980-444-2660 or visit downfordoughnuts.com.