Small Business Spotlight: Dipped Donuts
For Jiten Grover, donuts were more than a sweet treat — they were an opportunity to raise the bar in Toronto’s food scene. After moving from the UK, where he had spent years honing his skills as a baker, Jiten noticed Toronto’s donut offerings just didn’t measure up. Determined to bring something new to the table, he began experimenting in the kitchen. What seemed simple at first proved to be a complex craft, but after plenty of trial and error, Jiten and his team created something truly special.
In 2018, that passion came to life with the opening of Dipped Donuts in Kensington Market. Within a short time, the shop had earned a reputation as one of Toronto’s best donut spots, a title it has proudly held ever since.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. The pandemic brought uncertainty, but Dipped Donuts kept its doors open and discovered just how deeply customers valued their work. In 2024, the business expanded into Parkdale with a second cafe location, offering fresh coffee and beverages alongside their signature donuts. The expansion brought new lessons: understanding how customers interact with the space, refining service, and building stronger community ties. Now, with a third Toronto location on the horizon, Dipped Donuts continues to grow while staying true to its roots.
Last year, Jiten and his team participated in the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) through Digital Main Street. With a $2,400 grant, they invested in upgrading their website, improving SEO, and more. “CDAP gave us the push and structure to level up our online presence,” Jiten explains. “Our website now better reflects our brand and products, and we are reaching more customers thanks to improved visibility. Thanks to your program, we were able to make digital changes that had a real impact, and it gave us a stronger foundation to build on as we continue to expand our business.” Dipped Donuts also participated in the Digital Transformation Grant program.
Beyond the financial support, Jiten shared that the experience with DMS stood out for its personal touch. “(The DMS) team was incredibly supportive, and you can tell staff genuinely want small businesses to succeed. The training materials, guidance, and ongoing support were all very valuable,” says Jiten. The digital improvements have since had a measurable impact: online engagement has grown, new customers are discovering the brand, and Dipped Donuts now has a stronger foundation for future expansion.
Looking ahead, Jiten is focused on opening more locations across Toronto while growing the business’s digital presence. The improved website and digital marketing will support expanded online orders, enhanced customer engagement, and a stronger e-commerce platform. Social media will also play a big role, with plans for targeted ads and TikTok content to connect with wider audiences.
Jiten shares that Digital Main Street has been incredibly helpful for Dipped Donuts. “The support, resources, and guidance provided have made a real difference,” he shares. “With October being Small Business Month, this spotlight is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that small businesses bring to our neighbourhoods. We’re proud to be part of the DMS community and grateful for the chance to share our story.”
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