Ariela Lopez, Contributing Photographer

One month after state tax collectors shuttered Donut Crazy, the future of the chain’s downtown storefront is unclear.

On March 5, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services plastered a yellow “Suspended” sign on the York Street storefront’s glass doors, barring the eclectic donut cafe from continuing sales out of that address. The sign specifies that Donut Crazy’s New Haven location’s sales permit was suspended according to a state statute, which states that if a person fails to comply with their prescribed sales tax regulations, their permits may be revoked or suspended.

New permits may be issued once the department’s commissioner “is satisfied that the former holder of the permit will comply” with sales tax regulations, according to the statute.

Jason Wojnarowski, Donut Crazy’s owner, did not respond to the News’ requests for comment despite multiple attempts. Wojnarowski also declined to comment to the New Haven Independent on the storefront’s closure in March.

The Department of Revenue Services declined to comment on specific cases.

Donut Crazy New Haven’s telephone number is now “temporarily unavailable,” and the store’s social media has not been active since before the suspension.

“It’s sad because I would go there to get coffee or gluten-free food when I wanted a study break,” said Lelah Shapiro ’27, citing the storefront’s convenient proximity to popular study locations — including Bass and Sterling Libraries — when explaining the impact of the store’s sudden closure.

Shapiro elaborated that though coffee shops like Common Grounds remain accessible as alternative quick dining options on the block, Donut Crazy utilised SnackPass services. SnackPass, a social media ordering application created by Yalies in 2016, enables its users to order ahead at local New Haven restaurants and earn loyalty points and discounts where possible.

“The prices were good,” said Sasha Foer ’28, who, like Shapiro, ordered from Donut Crazy on a weekly basis. “The donuts were good. There are alternative locations for a sweet pick-me-up, like Ashley’s, [but] they’re less accessible.” 

Donut Crazy, founded in 2011, launched its New Haven location, the fourth in the franchise, in October 2016. Originally a late-night dessert cafe open past midnight, the donut shop’s hours had been reduced by the time it closed, though its interior decor — darkened lights, red neon signs and leather couches — still resembled a bar lounge.

In 2024, Donut Crazy closed its locations in Branford and Fairfield. The Fairfield location had opened only a year prior.

Donut Crazy currently operates storefronts in West Hartford, Shelton, Stratford and Westport, Conn.