5 Fun Facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!
Louisville’s favorite doughnut shop provides great business lessons and even better doughnuts!
It's National Doughnut Day, an observance dating back to the 1930s, which honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" who served doughnuts and other treats to U.S. Troops during World War I. Here in Kentucky, we take our doughnuts pretty seriously. In fact, the New York Times once traced a doughnut trail across our great Commonwealth. One of the state's most beloved doughnut stops is in a gas station! That's the great thing about doughnuts: they're inexpensive, accessible, and enjoyed by almost everybody! My favorite doughnut spot is Hi-Five Doughnuts, which serves amazing creations with a Kentucky flair. You absolutely MUST try the bourbon caramel glaze, and if you're really brave, you can try the Kentucky Fried Buttermilk Chicken Doughnut.
Hi-Five Doughnuts is one of my favorite Kentucky businesses, combining local ingredients, awesome female entrepreneurs, incredible marketing, and a fabulous product. Let's celebrate National Doughnut Day with five fun facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!!!
1. Hi-Five is woman-owned and operated. Leslie Wilson and Annie Harlow began their business running a food truck, affectionately named Shelby, then opened a storefront in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood.
The bacon-glazed doughnut is amazing, y'all.
2. The business name pays tribute to the legend that the custom of giving a high-five was invented in a U of L basketball practice in the 1970s.
3. Hi-Five has trademarked their hashtag! When you talk about the #ladiesofthemorning, then according to to the US Patent and Trademark office you're referencing Hi-Five Doughnuts!
4. The Hi-Five business model is so cool, a book has been written about it! Dr. Lyle Sussman of U of L's College of Business wrote "Breaking the Glaze Ceiling: Sweet Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Wannabes", which establishes 12 business principles based on Leslie and Annie's success. In interviewing the Doughnut Ladies for a prior article, I was so impressed that they built the entire enterprise on a no-debt model, opting instead to purchase only what they could afford at any given time.
That's cinnamon glaze + Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You need it in your life.
5. Everybody loves Hi-Five! The Travel Channel has visited them, they're a staple at local events like the Forecastle Festival, and they're often served as a finishing touch at local galas and weddings.
The Five Best Food Trucks in Louisville
Louisville's favorite food trucks
It's no surprise that Louisville's food truck scene is prospering. Add a cool city where folks work hard and love to support local business to an already exciting foodie culture, and you've got a fantastic environment for food trucks to prosper! Here are five HerKentucky faves.
5. Longshot Lobsta There are legitimately times when nothing other than a lobster roll will do. This Louisville favorite brings lobster rolls to a parking lot near you!
Black Rock Grille sets up shop Downtown.
4. Sweet 'N Savory Honestly, if you can get a hot brown crepe and a mint julep gelato from one truck, what else do you need in life?
Sophie loves Food Truck visits!
3. Black Rock Grille. Follow the delicious aroma of sizzling burgers through downtown, and you'll wind up at Black Rock!
2. Traveling Kitchen You have no idea how much you need a Korean taco in your life until you actually eat one.
1. Hi-Five Doughnuts. I love their doughnuts, and I love owners Annie and Leslie (and their truck Shelby!) even more. Their bourbon-caramel glaze is a must-try, as is their peanut butter glaze!
What's your favorite Louisville Food Truck?