Parlor Doughnuts in Owensboro is now locally owned and operated, with longtime resident Steve Bristow stepping in as the public face and hands-on manager of the franchise.
Bristow recently partnered with Gary Boswell to purchase the store, which originally opened in September 2024 at 2876 Heartland Crossing Boulevard off KY 54. While Boswell is a silent partner, Bristow will serve as the owner-operator, overseeing day-to-day operations and infusing the shop with a distinctly local flavor.
“We’re just super excited about the opportunity,” Bristow said. “It kind of came together perfectly — like God’s timing.”
Bristow said the decision came after months of looking at potential business ventures with Boswell. When the opportunity to acquire Parlor Doughnuts came up through one of Boswell’s contacts, the two jumped at the chance.
With the shift in ownership, Bristow hopes to bring a more personal, Owensboro-focused touch to the shop.
“Anytime you have a locally owned business where the owner is hands-on — even just checking in and making sure that the business is putting forth the personality that the owner wants it to have— it adds something special,” he said. “The employees have been great, but before, there wasn’t really an Owensboro personality to it. That’s what we want to bring in — kindness, excellent service, appreciation for the customers who walk through the door.”
Parlor Doughnuts offers a unique spin on the traditional pastry and is most known for its layered doughnuts and specialty toppings. The shop also serves a wide menu of premium coffee drinks, refreshers, teas, and non-doughnut food items such as breakfast tacos, avocado toast, sausage biscuits, and acai bowls.
“They’re made in small batches throughout the day — not just once in the morning to sit in the case,” Bristow said. “We’ve got seasonal and specialty flavors, fresh fruit toppings, and incredible coffee. It’s the best of both worlds.”
While no major changes are planned immediately, Bristow said the focus will be on improving visibility and growing the customer base.
“There are still people who don’t know we’re here,” he said. “I think once people come by and experience it once, they’ll come back. It’s just a great product.”
Bristow, a Daviess County High School graduate, has spent most of his life in Owensboro. He worked for 18 years at U.S. Bank and later with a software company based in California, but said he’s long wanted to build something of his own.
“This is my first time owning a business, but it just felt like the right time,” he said. “I’ve lived here basically my whole life. My family’s here, my kids are here. I’m proud to be from Owensboro, and I’m looking forward to helping make something as successful as it can be.”
