Craig Bowman Launched Independent Donut Directory

The Glazed and Amused platform tracks 1,800 independent shops across the United States.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single glazed donut on a wooden surface, representing a directory for local donut shops. — Creator Craig Bowman launched Glazed and Amused in 2026, an independent directory that helps users find and support local donut shops across the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prioritize visiting independent local shops over national chains when traveling?

In 2026, creator Craig Bowman launched Glazed and Amused, an online directory dedicated to documenting independent donut shops. The platform helps users find local businesses while intentionally excluding corporate chains and franchise locations.

Why it matters

The site was developed to preserve the visibility of independent donut shops in a market often dominated by major national chains. By providing a curated resource, it connects enthusiasts with small-scale bakeries that might otherwise be overlooked.

The directory currently features 1,800 independent donut shops and 17 curated donut trails across all 50 states. The platform also identifies specific historical markers, including shops belonging to the Century Club founded before 1930.

The players

Craig Bowman

He is the creator of the Glazed and Amused directory and is based in Washington, D.C.

Glazed and Amused

This is an online directory platform that documents and maps independent donut shops throughout the United States.

The details

Users can navigate the platform by inputting their starting city, available time, and specific flavor preferences to generate custom, shareable routes for Google Maps. Shop owners are also able to claim their own profiles to keep business information and hours accurate for visitors.

Craig Bowman created the Glazed and Amused platform in 2026.

Market Landscape

The Glazed and Amused directory shifts the competitive environment by aggregating small-scale bakeries that lack the marketing budget of national chains. This platform capitalizes on a growing trend toward curated food tourism that prioritizes local ownership over corporate uniformity.

Travelers and locals can use the directory to find independent dessert options and create efficient travel routes that avoid corporate franchises. Users can verify the availability of local bakeries before they visit, ensuring a more reliable shopping experience.

The takeaway

Supporting small-scale bakeries helps maintain the unique culinary character of local communities. Users are encouraged to check shop hours through the platform to ensure the best experience when visiting independent vendors.