Inclusive Employment: Mooresville donut shop hires eight staff with disabilities

Mooresville has many local bakeries, but few focus on providing steady work for adults with disabilities. Down for Doughnuts, located at 880 E. Iredell Ave., employs eight individuals with disabilities, a business model established by the Cooper family to support inclusive hiring in the community.

The shop’s origins trace back to 1989, when David Cooper’s first child, Zach, was born with Down syndrome, a cleft palate, congenital cataracts, and hearing issues. David, who worked as a banker for his career, considered a new direction when he received an early retirement offer. He and his wife, Lisa, asked Zach what kind of business he wanted to join. Zach answered that he wanted to own a donut shop.

The couple opened Down for Doughnuts in 2020, just as the pandemic began. David Cooper explained that the timing was partly driven by Zach’s education. At Mooresville High School, Zach was pursuing an Occupational Course of Study degree, which required specific work hours to graduate. The family struggled to find local employers willing to host Zach for those hours. They eventually secured placements at a local Food Lion and Johnny Brusco’s on the Lake through personal connections, which helped him complete his diploma requirements.

Transitioning from banking to bakery ownership involved a learning curve for the Coopers. The shop differentiates itself by making donuts fresh daily and offering custom orders. David Cooper noted that customers can request specific flavors or toppings that are not typically available at other bakeries. Any leftover inventory is donated to local organizations, including soup kitchens and groups serving unsheltered residents, to reduce waste and support the neighborhood.

Zach Cooper works the cash register, a position he enjoys because it allows him to interact with customers. His preferred donut is the maple bacon, though he recently created a specialty item called the Elvis. This treat features a Bavarian cream filling, peanut butter icing, and bacon toppings. The family established the Down for Doughnuts Foundation to support the shop’s motto, 'Made to Inspire.' The organization raises funds to help Down for Doughnuts and other local businesses that hire people with special needs.

The foundation accepts tax-deductible donations through a 501(c)(3) charitable structure. Contributions can be made as one-time gifts or monthly payments via givebutter.com/DownforDoughnuts. These funds support the mission of providing dignity and self-worth to workers in the local community.

Down for Doughnuts operates Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. The shop also provides catering, custom cakes, and cupcakes. For more information, the business can be reached at 980-444-2660 or downfordoughnuts.com.