Had to happen sometime: Cops buy doughnut shop

Published 9:53 pm Saturday, July 4, 2009

CLARE, Mich. — “Cops &Doughnuts” is more than a punchline. It’s now a bakery in Michigan — owned by nine full-time employees of the Clare Police Department.

That’s all nine members of the police department.

The newly renamed bakery opened last week, offering doughnuts, cookies, muffins, brownies and bread. It also has mugs and T-shirts bearing the “Cops &Doughnuts, 100 Percent Cop-Owned” logo, and phrases including “You Have the Right to Remain Glazed” and “Handcuffs and Cream Puffs.”

“Join us for a warm fresh doughnut and a steaming cup of coffee while you enjoy the police decor and friendly, and very safe, atmosphere,” its Web site reads.

Officer Al White says the officers were concerned when the Clare City Bakery’s owners decided to throw in the towel. The 113-year-old bakery would have become the sixth empty storefront in Clare’s three-block downtown.

The officers were on hand for the grand reopening but have hired a manager and will employ local students as staff.