Entrepreneur Launched Online Independent Donut Directory
The platform offers independent shops a tool to increase foot traffic through curated routes.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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In 2026, Craig Bowman launched the Glazed and Amused online directory to highlight independent donut shops across all 50 U.S. states. The platform explicitly excludes corporate chains and franchises in favor of local businesses.
Why it matters
The directory aims to drive customer discovery and foot traffic to independent bakeries that often lack the marketing scale of national chains. By prioritizing independent operators, the platform provides a digital visibility tool for small businesses.
The directory currently lists 1,800 independent donut shops across the United States. It features 17 curated donut trails that users can navigate via integrated Google Maps links.
The players
Craig Bowman
The creator of the Glazed and Amused directory who designed the platform to support independent local businesses.
The details
The platform functions as a discovery engine where users input their location, time constraints, and preferences to receive a tailored itinerary. Once a route is generated, the tool allows users to export these custom paths directly to Google Maps for navigation. Shop owners can maintain their own business presence on the site by claiming their individual profiles to update contact details and service information.
Timeline
Craig Bowman created the platform in 2026.
Market Landscape
The directory utilizes Google Maps routing integration to standardize travel between independent points of interest. This follows the broader trend of vertical-specific digital directories that curate small-business inventory to compete against mass-market review aggregators.
Independent shop owners should review their profile on the platform to ensure their contact information is accurate. Operators can use the site as a low-cost visibility channel to reach tourists and locals searching for niche culinary experiences.
The takeaway
The platform demonstrates how niche directory tools can organize fragmented independent markets to improve brand discovery. Owners of small retail or food businesses should track digital directories that aggregate local competitors to ensure their business info remains current for potential customers.
Further reading
For more on new business platforms and market shifts, visit the Openings & Closings section.
More information
To view the directory or claim a business profile, visit the online directory of independent donut shops.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize visiting independent local shops over national chains when traveling?
