While the ownership of a wildlysuccessful New Plymouth doughnut shop might have changed, it certainly has a very familiar feel.

Kate Simpson and Ashleigh Carley have both worked at Knead bakery but didn’t immediately consider snapping it up when its founder Erin Benton announced she was going to put in on the market in June.

But Carley said in the end, the decision to throw their hat in the ring and make an offer was a no-brainer.

“It was just a smart decision I guess.”

The Carrington St store first opened in November 2020, after Benton, and husband Aaron Coutts, built the brand from scratch, gaining a loyal following for their baked treats at markets in Stratford, and later in New Plymouth.

Opening three days a week, offering a changing range of doughnut flavours, the store commonly had lines of customers outside.

Simpson and Carley officially took over ownership on Monday, with their first day of trading on Thursday.

Simpson said while they planned to put their own stamp on the bakery in time, for now things would remain business as usual.

“Everything’s the same. It’s not broken, so we’re not going to fix it.”

She said the community support for the business had been phenomenal, with its social media following growing, as well as the interest in its catering service.

The duo, who are both trained baristas, will have a hands-on role in the kitchen, helped out by three other staff.

“I feel confident we can do it, we’ve got the support from the community and whānau.”

Simpson and Carley said they were grateful to have been chosen as the preferred buyer by Benton, who had nine other offers on the table, and looked forward to the challenge ahead.

“It’s been such an easy, easy transition,” Simpson said, adding Benton was never far away if they needed help.

“She’s number one on my speed dial.”

Following confirmation of the sale, Benton posted a Facebook message thanking her work team, whānau and the Taranaki community for their support.