Groovy Gus Mini Donuts began with a spark of inspiration and a desire for more joy in life. One crisp Monday morning in the fall of 2018, Cindi walked into the office and shared her idea with Steve: a donut truck. Without hesitation, Steve embraced the vision, shedding his tie and declaring, “Let’s do it!”
Their journey began with an old contractor’s van from Cleveland, which they transformed into the vibrant and funky Groovy Gus Donut Bus. From selecting the name to designing the colors and patterns, Steve and Cindi poured their hearts into creating a groovy vibe that would delight customers at every turn.
In April 2019, the Groovy Gus Donut Bus made its debut at GypsyMoon Marketplace, marking the start of an adventure filled with delicious treats and memorable encounters with their beloved “Gustomers.” While they cherish every moment of food trucking, Steve and Cindi have set their sights on the next exciting chapter: transitioning from mobile delight to a brick-and-mortar storefront.
As Groovy Gus Mini Donuts prepares to expand its horizons, the essence of their journey remains rooted in spreading joy, one delectable donut at a time.
Cindi’s journey begins within the heart of a General Motors family, her upbringing immersed in the rich tapestry of St. Louis’ automotive heritage. In the late 1970s, her family’s journey led them to Bowling Green, Kentucky, a place that, despite later relocations, remained ingrained in Cindi’s heart as “home.” Following a stint in finance and marketing, Cindi transitioned to the role of a devoted stay-at-home mom, where her love language found expression in the art of cooking.
With her youngest venturing off to college, Cindi found herself drawn to the culinary world once again. The allure of owning a food truck, with its fusion of mobility and culinary creativity, beckoned to her innate passion. Now, as the proud owner of Groovy Gus Mini Donuts, Cindi brings her culinary expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the streets of Bowling Green.
Family is at the core of Cindi’s life, with two adult sons, Kyle and David, both calling Kentucky their home. In her free time, she finds solace in the kitchen, cultivating her garden, and showering affection on any dog that crosses her path. With a heart full of warmth and a mind brimming with new ideas, Cindi eagerly anticipates crafting innovative flavors and expanding the product line at Groovy Gus Mini Donuts, enriching the community one delicious donut at a time.
Gus, the cherished mascot of Groovy Gus Mini Donuts, transcends mere characterization; he embodies the spirit of a burgeoning legend .Born on April 26, 2019, Gus is a white squirrel indigenous to the Bowling Green area, his fur slowly adopting a distinguished shade of grey as he matures into wisdom.
Fueling his adventures with a diet of donuts and black coffee, Gus’s mischievous spirit finds delight in shadowing and playfully tormenting Steve, adding a touch of whimsy to the bustling world of food trucking. Selected as the embodiment of Groovy Gus for his undeniable coolness, his name’s perfect rhyme with “bus,” and his shared moniker with the beloved TV character Burton Guster from “Psych,” Gus stands as a beacon of charm and charisma.
With his trademark sunglasses perched atop his nose, Gus’s caricature graces the company logo, a creation skillfully crafted by Cindi’s son David. Beyond his role as mascot, Gus is a squirrel of refined tastes, harboring a love for Corvettes, French Renaissance poetry, and leisurely strolls at sunset. And, to the delight of admirers, Gus’s heart remains unclaimed, a fact he’s quick to remind the ladies.
Meet Steve, the Benevolent Donut Overlord and co-founder of Groovy Gus Mini Donuts, whose journey intertwines with the vibrant tapestry of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Steve’s roots in the community run deep, with his family’s relocation to Bowling Green during his elementary school years setting the stage for a lifetime of connection and contribution.
A proud alumnus of Warren Central High School and Western Kentucky University, Steve’s career path has been as diverse as it is fulfilling. From his early days working with students to his later ventures in the sales and service industry, each chapter has shaped him into the visionary leader he is today. However, it’s the launch of “The Groovy Gus Donut Bus” and the establishment of Groovy Gus Mini Donuts that stand out as the pinnacle of his achievements, igniting a passion for entrepreneurship and community engagement unlike any other.
Family holds a special place in Steve’s heart, with his three adult children—Alex, Rachel, and Harrison—bringing endless joy and pride into his life. Outside of the donut empire, Steve finds solace and excitement in the simpler pleasures, from cheering on his favorite baseball team to mastering the art of disc golf. An aficionado of classic VW’s, Steve’s love for vintage automobiles mirrors his appreciation for the timeless charm of Groovy Gus.
With a penchant for humor and camaraderie, Steve is known for his knack for giving people quirky nicknames, adding a touch of whimsy to every interaction. As the Benevolent Donut Overlord, Steve’s legacy is not just in the delicious treats he serves but in the connections he fosters and the joy he spreads throughout the community.