Beloved Mojo Donuts Closing All Miami Stores After 8 Years

A wildly popular doughnut shop with locations across Miami has announced it will close its Miami-Dade locations after eight years of serving fun and creative doughnuts.

On Monday, November 4, Mojo Donuts announced it would close its Miami stores on the evening of Friday, November 15, crushing longtime patrons who have woken up to the news via an Instagram post. The doughnut shop will remain open in Hollywood, Florida, where it is run under a different ownership.

Jimmy Piedrahita of Mojo Donuts, who shot the Broward doughnut shop to the big leagues by bringing the delicious sweets to Miami-Dade County in 2016, spoke exclusively with New Times to break the news to his longtime customers and fans, the latter who even included popular television personality Guy Fieri of Food Network and music mogul Jennifer Lopez.

A Local Dessert Shop From Start to Finish — Raising Prices Was Never an Option

Piedrahita tells New Times that the decision to close its Miami storefronts was a difficult one, and he ultimately had no choice but to pull the trigger on closing. "It was a trickle-down effect," he explains. "There were so many challenges when it comes to the cost of everything, the high cost of operating, and the high cost of rent. It was a combination of that and a few other challenges that were difficult to overcome. At the end of the day, we're a humble doughnut shop."

To keep up with the competition in 2024, he would've had to raise the prices of his doughnuts, but he never gave in due to his commitment to his community.

"I wanted to stay true to the people of Miami and to sustain this business. I would have to charge an astronomical amount of money for a doughnut, and I never wanted to do that," he says. "From day one, I wanted Mojo to be a family place where you could come, and where everyone of every economic class could afford to come eat there and enjoy. It was always my goal to give back to the community and be someone who is involved with Miami. To be proud of the people and for everyone involved."

Although the shop expanded, Piedrahita never wanted to raise the prices.

"We took so much pride in that, and it was extremely important to me. I wanted kids of all ages, economic classes, and races to be a part of Mojo," he explains. "I'm a humble doughnut shop, and I have one commodity. I can't charge $8 per doughnut and expect someone to pay $96 for a dozen."

An Instant Hit Among New Times Readers and the Community Since 2016

Frequently ranking in New Times' top doughnut lists year after year, Mojo Donuts has been beloved by the community for its funky doughnut creations and wild flavor combinations. From a legendary appearance on the Food Network to a Super Bowl spot with Jennifer Lopez, the shop's impact on the community has been noteworthy since its opening.

"I took this doughnut shop from a humble little coffee shop in Broward to a national level," explains Piedrahita. "I mean, we made it onto Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. We were the first and only doughnut shop ever to be on that show. I mean, it was such a privilege. We were the first to ever do it. We were on Fox News during COVID, we made it with Jennifer Lopez during the Super Bowl, and Shakira for her birthday... all of these celebrities."

The doughnuts have been so popular that the shop's Instagram post announcing its closure garnered more than 200 likes and 30 comments within the first 30 minutes of it being published.

Comments ranged from, "This makes me so sad! My favorite doughnuts. We were there yesterday and did not know!" and "Oh, no, I can't believe it. The best doughnuts I've ever eaten," to, "Wow, how sad. So sorry to see this small business close its doors" and "I feel really sad right now. I've never tasted a doughnut that compares to yours, and it's just heartbreaking for me. I truly wish you all the best during this tough time. I hope things start looking up for you soon."

While taking the brand to a national level was the highlight of Mojo's legacy, it didn't come to fruition without its humble beginnings as a pop-up at the Wharf Miami and El Car Wash — and this detail is something Piedrahita tells New Times he wants to make clear.

"To Alex Mantecon and Emi Guerra of Breakwater Hospitality, who own the Wharf Miami, and to Justin and Jeff of El Car Wash, who all allowed me to expand the brand, I want to express my sincere thank you to them," adds Piedrahita.

Looking Ahead and the Final Bittersweet Weeks of Mojo Donuts in Miami

Now, Mojo Donuts is asking the public, its longtime customers, and fans to stop by its locations in Coral Gables, Bird Road, and Kendall one last time before it closes this month.

"Come in and share your stories. It would mean the world to the team and everyone who has worked so hard to make this a Miami staple," he says. "We've had such a great run. I want everyone to know that I express nothing but appreciation for everyone who has supported it. From J.Lo to every foundation that supported us and everyone in between. "

While New Times cannot disclose what will replace the Mojo Donut stores in Miami, New Times can confirm that something "bigger, better, and fresher, is coming to all of the Miami locations." New Times will be the first to break the news once this concept is made public.

Mojo Donuts. Locations in Miami and Hollywood; instagram.com/mojodonuts. Closing Miami locations along Bird Road, Coral Gables (Near South Miami), and Kendall on Friday, November 15. The Pines Boulevard location will remain open.