Down for donuts: How this team is sweetening Chiefs’ Super Bowl sugar rush with Mr. D’s(fense)
January 28, 2025 | Taylor Wilmore
Another return trip to the Super Bowl has Kansas City small businesses joining the Chiefs as behind-the-scenes special teams fueling the Kingdom. For entrepreneur Johnny Chen, the mere taste of victory just a few years ago has multiplied into a box-full of opportunities.
Johnny Chen delivering Mr. D’s Donuts at Arrowhead Stadium; courtesy photo
“The Chiefs’ success has impacted our sales tremendously,” said Chen, co-owner of the popular Shawnee-based Mr. D’s Donuts, alongside his wife, Boggie Otgonbayar. “Usually, the first quarter of the year is the slowest season for restaurants, but with Kansas City now heading back to the Super Bowl, it’s brought in a lot of business.”
Football’s postseason now carries special significance with the team’s winning streak serving as more than a point of pride, but an inspiration point for Mr. D’s creative — and eye-catching — donut designs.
While the shop drops classic glazed donuts daily, Mr.D’s is known for its hand-crafted edible works of art — this time of year, featuring such treats as Patrick Mahomes’ face, player jerseys, and other Chiefs-inspired designs.
“We started doing custom donuts six or seven years ago, starting with themes like Pokémon,” Chen explained. “When it’s playoff season, our team comes together to brainstorm ideas for Chiefs donuts. It’s a team effort to design the fondants, icing, and everything else by hand.”
Mr. D’s Donuts has even catered events for the Chiefs organization itself, giving the shop a chance to build closer ties to the team and its fans.
“That exposure has been incredible for us, through TV, social media and word of mouth,” Chen said.
View this post on Instagram
Beyond feeding Chiefs fans (and players), Mr. D’s Donuts is giving back to the community. The shop recently partnered with Kansas City safety Justin Reid’s charity, JReid Indeed — a nonprofit focused on helping young people thrive in tech-driven environments, particularly targeting neighborhoods in Kansas City, Houston and Baton Rouge.
“And we’re finalizing another charity partnership this week,” Chen shared. “We want people to know that when they support us, we turn around and support the community.”
Mr. D’s Donuts isn’t the only Kansas City brand building an appetite among Chiefs fans. Check out these confections crafted for champions.
Kingdom Cake (Chiefs twist on King Cake) — $30
McClain’s Cakery
Chiefs 13-Piece Cookie Set
3TBakers (Customizable)
Big Game 8 Piece Chocolates — $26
Christopher Elbow
Chocolate Almond-Filled Football — $140
André’s Confiserie Suisse
Chiefs 7-inch Heart cakes — $25
Dolce Bakery
8-inch Chiefs cakes — $62-$72
McClain’s Cakery (Multiple variations available, including Andy Reidcicle, Football, TNT, and KC Wolf)
Custom Sports Shapes — $23-$25
KC Pretzel Boys
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
ShotTracker tech nets entry into NCAA Division 1 sports with Hall of Fame tourney
ShotTracker is advancing in the bracket of startup success, company officials announced Thursday, revealing their game-changing, sensor-based, stat and analytics tracking system will debut this fall at the 2018 NCAA Division I Hall of Fame Classic. In partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), ShotTracker technology — which uses sensors in players’ shoes,…
Camp Cyber reboots conference format with top-security KC Tech Council retreat
From cyberspace to the great outdoors, the KC Tech Council is using past success to develop a one-of-a-kind professional development experience: Camp Cyber. Traditional conferencing rebooted, the two-day retreat is expected to provide Kansas City’s top information security leaders with exclusive access to industry insiders, said Ryan Weber, KC Tech Council president. Camp Cyber –…
High-tech dog kennels to affordable housing: Mayor announces city’s new startup partners
Kansas City needs startups’ brightest minds working on the ever-evolving city’s behalf, said Mayor Sly James. Six valuable new startup partners — ranging from companies addressing housing and zoning issues to firms focused on high-tech dog houses and the management of restaurants’ grease — have accepted the call, the city announced Friday. “The Innovation Partnership…
Sickweather CEO bringing Cold Cough Flu conference to KC
It might be warm and sunny this summer, but a storm is brewing, said Graham Dodge. The Sickweather founder’s Cold Cough Flu conference set for October in Kansas City could help health officials detect what’s to come. Inspired by a similar event organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Oct. 15 event…