Dutch Maid Donuts first opened its doors in 1962 in MidCity, Portsmouth, VA — founded by Wilsie Wood husband, whose mission was simple: to make people smile with a fresh, delicious donut and a friendly word. What began as a single small shop quickly grew into 22 beloved locations across the region. Regulars became friends, and friends became family — all drawn together by the warmth and sweetness that defined Dutch Maid.

Wilsie continued to run the business on her own until 1992, when she sold the last shop in Churchland and finally retired. For decades afterward, she remained a familiar face around Portsmouth — greeted by former employees and customers who fondly remembered her kindness and her donuts. Her most famous creations — cinnamon buns, chocolate éclairs, applejacks, and classic glazed — held a special place in the hearts (and memories) of so many.

For Katherine Willet, granddaughter of Wilsie Wood, Dutch Maid Donuts was never just a business — it was part of her childhood. She started helping her grandmother at nine years old, especially during the holidays when the family ran a small donut stand inside Coleman’s Nursery’s magical “Winter Wonderland.” The sweet aroma of freshly made donuts mixed with the festive lights and laughter made those moments unforgettable.

Now, years later, Katherine and her family are bringing that same joy back to Portsmouth — this time on wheels. Together with her mom, Judy Lassiter (Wilsie’s daughter), and her family, they’ve revived Wilsie’s original recipes and the tradition she built. Their goal is to blend nostalgia with new memories, sharing the warmth, sweetness, and community spirit that defined Dutch Maid Donuts for generations.