Ally Chapman, left, and Blair Hyslop of Mrs. Dunsters. Image: Submitted
Those who have been missing the sweet taste of Mrs. Dunster’s can now purchase their favourite treats online and have them shipped to homes across North America.
The Sussex-based company made the announcement via Facebook Wednesday morning.
Blair Hyslop, co-owner of Mrs. Dunster’s, said online ordering has been something he has wanted since purchasing the business seven years ago. There’s a heightened interest in the products, especially with Maritimers who want a taste of nostalgia away from home.
“One of the best things about Mrs. Dunster’s is when you tell somebody where you work, they get a big smile on their face and tell you a story,” said Hyslop. “We’ll get messages from people saying, ‘when am I getting doughnuts in Alberta or Saskatchewan or South Carolina or Texas?”
Hyslop’s company decided it was time to get the ball rolling on the project after launching e-commerce websites for his other companies like Kredl’s Corner Market during Covid-19. All they needed was someone who could pull it off.
That’s where Ally Chapman, a fourth-year student at Mount Allison University, came into the picture.
As a marketing student, Hyslop said Chapman has the knowledge and an understanding of technology and has the drive to get things done. Chapman says she felt overwhelmed by the project at first as it was her first time working on something this significant.
“Blair has some amazing connections that really helped me along the way,” said Chapman. “A lot of them mentored me through the process, talking me through each step, giving me encouragement and it was really great.”
Besides the classic doughnuts, crunch nuggets and ginger snaps that the brand is known for, consumers can also buy Maritime staples like King Cole tea, Java Moose coffee, Crosby’s molasses and Covered Bridge potato chips.
Hyslop said that was a way of helping out other businesses he has worked with and helping customers find their favourite Atlantic Canadian products. They also have bundles like “The Ultimate Maritime Pack,” “Mrs. Dunster’s Biggest Fan” and a university care package.
“I’d like to say we’re in the yummy food business and these are brands that resonate with Maritimers,” said Hyslop. “I’ve seen the desire for people who want to send a care package to … a kid that’s off to university in the fall or a sister living out west.”
Within 10 minutes of launching, Hyslop said the website already had its first order. As the main person behind the project, Chapman said it was exciting to witness firsthand.
“It’s crazy to see your project come to life, but I was also like, ‘oh, my goodness, now I actually have to send them a box of doughnuts,” she said. “It’s a little bit scary, almost, because now the real work begins.”
With Chapman heading back to university this fall, she has already made a comprehensive guide for employees on packing and shipping orders. Overall, she says the aspect she enjoyed most about the project was creating an “all-around customer experience.”
“That’s the best part for me is creating something that I know that customers are going to be excited about [and] I cannot wait to hear the stories that come from this,” said Chapman. “It’ll be really nice to hear, you know, all that hard work pays off.”
Those interested in purchasing Mrs. Dunster’s products online can visit the website here.
Aaron Sousa is a summer intern for Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
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