Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE DOUGHNUT SHOP — For those of us who love tasty treats, there’s nothing like the smell and taste of fresh doughnuts.
If you own a doughnut shop, you certainly want all the locals to buy from your bakery. But most of us know that small businesses usually struggle to garner attention and sales their first months — if at all.
This was happening to Billy’s Donuts, a recently opened a doughnut shop near Houston, Texas. The bakery was struggling to get sales and the owner was understandably sad. His son, Billy By, noticed this and decided to do something to help his dad. By, a freelance photographer, took a few photos of the empty shop and of his dad, and post the photos on social media to ask the masses for help.
“My dad is sad cause no one is coming to his new donut shop,” By said on Twitter midday Saturday.
My dad is sad cause no one is coming to his new donut shop 😭 pic.twitter.com/y5aGB1Acrc
— billy (@hibillyby) March 9, 2019
He then tweeted the shop’s address and business hours. It was a longshot, but for By, there wasn't much else he could do.
And you know what, the longshot worked! Social media took over and the community essentially told By and his dad, "I got you, fam!" Soon after By’s tweets were posted, people began to ask about the doughnuts and committing to visiting the shop to buy them. YouTuber Casey Neistat saw the tweet and helped get things going on social.
As of Monday afternoon, By’s tweet generated more than 675,000 likes and 302,000 retweets.
The power of the tweet works. Billy's Donuts has long lines this morning. pic.twitter.com/yuKIfcPq0R
— Gil Gredinger (@photog72) March 10, 2019
Before they knew it, By and his dad had customers out the door, all waiting to buy donuts, refreshments and other treats.
Congrats to the By family for today's success! For those following, read more here: https://t.co/s98FcGTlAHpic.twitter.com/ksJyMze2Qi
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) March 10, 2019
I didn't even need to cause the community came thruu pic.twitter.com/bHEc1afTTx
— V (@vincy_bt) March 10, 2019
Dude it was really busy when I went too!! His mom was talking about how she usually knows how much to make in a day but today she didnt expect the turnout😭😭😭 and the boudin kolaches are SO good pic.twitter.com/tBKbTCI9ZQ
— maleeha (@femaleeha) March 10, 2019
This is a review from a customer who just went to Billy’s Donuts this morning in Houston! I’m so glad to see the power of social media and its good impact to the real life. This thing got me to my real emotions. 😭< br>< br>Credits to @/lets_eat_htx on Instagram 🤝 pic.twitter.com/txqFgcJPlK
— Hana (@reihene) March 10, 2019
Even Billy’s Donuts Instagram account got a major bump! It originally had only 71 followers on Saturday. That number grew to an outstanding 18,000 followers a day later.
As of Monday afternoon, Billy’s Donuts had over 69,000 followers on Instagram.
By midday Sunday, Billy’s Donuts was completely sold out of donuts and kolaches. In just 24 hours, By’s tweet went viral and gave his dad’s shop the biggest boost imaginable. On Monday, a few representatives from Twitter stopped by to say hi.
How fortunes can turn in a day thanks to the kind hearts of individuals wanting to make a difference.
“You are all amazing. I can't thank everyone enough for coming out and supporting local businesses,” By said on Twitter on Sunday. “This means so much to my family.”
Just wanted to update yall! We completely sold out of donuts and kolaches! You are all amazing. I can't thank everyone enough for coming out and supporting local businesses. This means so much to my family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/o3GQcKvVnG
— billy (@hibillyby) March 10, 2019
If you’re ever in the Houston area, remember that Billy’s Donuts is there to satisfy your doughnut craving. The owner — and his thoughtful son — will surely welcome you kindly.
Bon appetit!