Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme maybe some of the best-known donut locations, but offering equally delicious and gourmet treats is The Salty, a locally-based donut shop.

On Mar. 15, Academy of Finance students, along with other first-period classes, were given the opportunity to meet with some of the owners of The Salty at Coral Gables Senior High. Co-owner Andy Rogriguez and chief marketing officer Danny Pizzaro visited Gables to present their business, individual stories and donuts in the auditorium at 7:45 a.m.

The pair began by discussing how their business came to be. When co-owners Rodriguez and Amanda Pizzaro went out to eat in 2013, they realized the untapped potential in the stylish but casual donut shop. After about two years, the two constructed a business plan that eventually led to their first “shop” opening in late 2015. Their first shop was their very own vintage camper, which they first sold their first donuts from in Wynwood, and the rest was history.

Talks then branched out towards the future of the brand and expansion possibilities. The Salty currently holds five stores all throughout the United States and is looking to add more locations within the country. The pair explained how demographic, fit and business space were all taken into consideration when choosing a new location, along with how to make The Salty more accessible to everyone.

After Rodriguez and Pizzaro finished the presentation, the floor was opened to students so they could ask questions. One student asked how their donut flavors were decided and tested. Pizzaro explained the lengthy efforts their staff goes through for deciding flavors and all the factors considered when choosing to put it on the menu. Factors such as season, location, item availability and smaller components too, like consistency, taste, look and even the texture of the donut.

Another question asked was how the team plans to make The Salty more accessible to everyone. Pizzaro answered by explaining the development of a new app they had been working on for the last two years. In an attempt to create something new and innovative, they wanted to be thorough throughout the entire process to make buying their donuts a complete experience.

“Bacon maple glaze has to be my favorite flavor, the classic glazed donut is also really good too. The thought process behind these flavors is really insane and hope to see more great ones come through,” senior Diego Moran said.

Following the questions, the 150 students in attendance were then allowed to leave the auditorium and grab a complimentary donut from The Salty. The flavors included their traditional glazed donut and the brown sugar and salt donut. Although the two spent a small amount of time with the school, they left a lasting impact with their informational speech about entrepreneurship and their unique story of success.