En route to the breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities in Utah’s Uinta mountains, Kamas’s Mirror Lake Station is not just a roadside stop — it’s a destination.

Those who arrive early — very early during peak season — are rewarded with decadent donuts dubbed “Utah’s best.”

Located on the corner of Main Street and the scenic Mirror Lake Highway, the Chevron gas station is the oldest in Kamas and has been in the Store family for more than a decade. Kristin and David Wade purchased the business from David’s brother, Jeff, in 2017.

Here, Kristin Wade describes the couple’s journey to entrepreneurship, how they stay connected to their community, and what it takes to churn out their famous donuts.

What is your background and how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?

“My husband, David, previously worked in sales at Frito-Lay and Hostess. I studied education at Utah State University with the intention to become a high school physical education teacher.”

“I’ve always loved to bake. About six years ago, I started my own food truck, Kristin’s Crepe. We would take the food truck to weddings and county fairs. That’s what got us into the baked goods business.”

“We bought the Chevron gas station in Kamas from David’s brother in October 2017. We live in Heber City and I’m originally from Kamas and have lived in this area my whole life, so this is my hometown.” 

“We’re one family getting to work alongside great employees. We enjoy our relationship with our employees and it’s a fun place to come and hang out. There have been ups and downs, including the COVID-19 pandemic a couple years into buying Mirror Lake Station, but most of the time running the business doesn’t really feel like work.”

What makes your donuts special?

“Our bakery employees handmake them. They roll out the dough by hand every night, starting between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and work until they’ve done as many orders as needed — sometimes that’s 2 a.m. during peak season. We have a room here the size of the average kitchen. People can’t believe it when they find out we make the donuts in a little tiny room in the gas station.”

“We have basic donut flavors — chocolate, maple, glazed, and white donuts. Then we have a different specially flavor each month; strawberries and cream and peaches and cream (both topped with fresh fruit and cream) are by far the favorites. Our fritters are as big as paper plates — they’re what we’re known for.”

“In 2019, we won Utah’s Best Donut at the annual Utah Dough Show.”

What advice do you have for people coming to get donuts?

“Our busy season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That’s when lots up people heading up to the Uintas for camping and recreation and will stop in and get a donut. In peak season, we sell about 2,000 donuts a day.”

“People are here to get donuts when we open at 5:45 a.m. Thursday through Saturday are some of the busiest days, and we’re lucky if we have donuts left by 9 a.m.”

“We tell customers to get here early or call ahead. They can place an order if they know they’re coming. We also do large orders for weddings, parties and other events.”

How is your business involved in the community?

“Honoring veterans is important to us. We work with a fifth-grade class at the local elementary school. The students write letters to veterans, then we take the letters and put them in gift baskets that we present to local veterans.”

“We also do a lot with the high school. Every month we provide 10 to 20 dozen donuts for an event called ‘Sweets with Someone Special’ where each grade brings in someone special to read with the students during the last 20 minutes of the day.”

“We also participate in South Summit High School’s college decision day by donating color-coordinated donuts to help graduating seniors celebrate their college, trade school, job or military choices.”

“We sponsor Kamas Valley Fiesta Days and the Kamas Rodeo. We hope people see we’re giving back to the community.”

What is your advice for small business owners?

“Keep going. While owning a business definitely has its ups and downs, be persistent and don’t give up.”

How has Zions Bank helped you in your journey?

“Zions Bank has been awesome. Many great employees at the Kamas branch have helped us through the years, from calling to see how we’re doing to helping us get our paperwork in order.”

Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help you reach your financial goals?  Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.