There is nothing like starting your day with a freshly-baked, local donut. Frenchie’s On 4th, a bakery in Olympia, opened August 2024. They have been luring in the crowds with sourdough donuts, gluten- and dairy-free donuts, and other sourdough-based baked goods.
Owners Levi and Kayla Hendricks are no strangers to small businesses. Between the two of them, Frenchie’s On 4th makes their fourth business. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that certainly holds true for this allergen-friendly bakery in Olympia. “We produce all the sourdough for our pizza at Briggs Taphouse,” explains Levi, “and I needed more space. This space became available at the end of last winter. I came and looked at it. It was more space, but really more space than I needed.” Kayla and Levi talked over what they could do with the extra space and since sourdough was already on the menu, a sourdough-based bakery just made delicious sense.
It was Kayla who came up with the name, after stumbling upon a cute French bulldog and donut design on Etsy. The couple has owned French bulldogs for 16 years, sourdough is French, so the name Frenchie’s on 4th just made sense. Their current Frenchies, Sophie and Coco Bean, can be seen in the bakery’s artwork, which was created by Tacoma-based design artists Todd Mason. He has done all the artwork for Levi’s businesses.
Allergen-Friendly Donuts in Olympia
“I said if he was going to open another business, he had to have gluten-free donuts,” shares Kayla. She, their son Krew and her father are all celiac, so they understand the disappointment of not being able to eat treats when out with family. So, Frenchie’s On 4th serves up real, fried, gluten-free donuts that are made in dedicated mixers and their own dedicated fryers to minimize cross-contamination. The gluten-free donuts are not sourdough based, but they are still delicious.
“We get kids in that are getting to eat their first donut,” shares Levi, “and it’s such a special moment. That’s what it’s all about. People’s reactions, and it’s been well received.” Well received is right, they have sold out every morning since they opened. The gluten-free donuts are light and airy, full of flavor and not overly greasy. Flavors vary on the day, but they do maple, glazed, chocolate, powered and more. They are also going to start offering vegan donuts and gluten-free cinnamon rolls in the future.
On the sourdough side, the donuts range in all types and flavors, from classic maple bars to filled. “We are going to have a Homer Simpson-type donut with the pink frosting and the sprinkles,” shares Levi. One of the favorites – aside from the adorable Frenchie-shaped donut – is the raspberry-filled donut. “The filling is made from scratch by one of our bakers, Sydnee, I am very proud of her for how good it is,” says Levi. Frenchie’s on 4th has several bakers, including their Baking Manager Eoin from Philadelphia. “He went to culinary school for baking so he brings his knowledge and experience to Frenchie’s,” he adds.
In addition to donuts, Frenchie’s On 4th carries pizza dough balls, baguettes, loaves and cinnamon rolls, all using their from-scratch sourdough.
And of course, what’s donuts without coffee? Frenchie’s On 4th serves local Ember Goods Coffee. They are friends with the owners of Ember Goods and love their coffee. They have a medium roast and a decaf drip coffee ready to go with your treats.
When they are not at one of their businesses, the Hendricks family is chasing Frenchies. Levi says he and Krew like to cruise in their ’64 Chevy Impala SS. Krew has grown up going to the businesses with his parents, learning what it takes to be an entrepreneur. “In a few years he can be a dishwasher for us,” Levi smiles.
Of course, you’d expect a bakery named after dogs to be dog-friendly! Their outdoor patio is fully fenced in for fido – and kids – safety. They have dog bowls and dog toys for sale as well. Look for other merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, etc.
Yes, you need to get up early to get a donut. They open at 6 a.m. But trust me, it’s worth it. Follow Frenchie’s On 4th on Facebook, Instagram and soon, on their website. Then, sit down and enjoy a donut!
