Cornwall Welcomes Sweet New Arrival as Mavericks Donuts Formally Opens Its Doors

Cornwall’s downtown got a little sweeter this week with the official ribbon cutting for Mavericks Donuts, the city’s newest spot to indulge in beautiful, handmade doughnuts. For owners and guests alike, the grand opening was more than just the launch of a new shop, it was a celebration of local growth, community spirit, and a love of good food.

Mavericks Donuts, a fast-growing Canadian brand founded in 2016, has been expanding across the country, but Cornwall’s store marks a milestone: it’s the 28th franchise in Canada and embraces a bilingual experience. Every sign, every warm greeting, and every menu board was created with both French and English in mind, a reflection of Cornwall’s identity and the pride its residents take in their culture.

“Cornwall was the perfect fit,” explained Jean-François Leduc, one of three partners, who hail from Ottawa, and Casselman. One even relocated to Cornwall to bring the shop to life. They spent 18 months searching for the right space, determined to root themselves in the community. Their goal wasn’t simply to open a business, but to create a welcoming space where everyone — anglophone, francophone, newcomer, or long-time local — feels at home.

That commitment is baked into every detail, including the doughnuts themselves. Mavericks is known for its cake-based creations, which stand apart from the lighter yeast style many Canadians grew up with. These are rich, satisfying, and presented like tiny works of art. Fans rave about the gigantic fritters and playful flavours such as maple bacon, s’mores, pumpkin cheesecake, and strawberry shortcake — alongside comforting classics like chocolate dipped and cinnamon sugar.

The Cornwall shop hopes to become more than just a place to grab a treat. The owners spoke warmly about hiring locally, supporting the neighbourhood, and making Mavericks a bright spot in people’s day. For many at the ribbon cutting, it felt like another vote of confidence in Cornwall’s growth: an investment not only in doughnuts, but in community connection.

Local leaders also turned out to show their support. Mayor Justin Towndale and Councillor Sarah Good joined the celebration, sharing congratulations and welcoming Mavericks Donuts to the city. For Cornwall, this opening isn’t just about adding another option for dessert; it’s about being a city with new possibilities, proud of its bilingual heritage and hungry (literally) for fresh ideas. And for Mavericks Donuts, it’s proof that a simple recipe, quality, creativity, and heart, can keep growing, popping up in one community at a time.

Before leaving the grand opening, I couldn’t resist joining the line one more time. A caramel apple fritter somehow found its way into my bag, along with a glossy pecan pie doughnut that looked too good to pass up. It felt like the perfect send-off: a sweet reminder that this shop isn’t just about doughnuts, it’s about simple pleasures shared in a community that’s always growing and welcoming something new.