Mochinut, a fast-growing brand of Mochi donuts, is opening a new location in Jacksonville at 11757 Beach Boulevard, Site 757-9.
The company’s newest location will move into the former home of Aroma Corner in the Beachwood Plaza, according to public records. Franchise owner Loc Le tells What Now Jacksonville he hopes to open this location sometime in October 2023 “if all goes well.” He is in the middle of construction and permitting, so this opening date can change. Le tells What Now that he plans to open more locations once this one is operational. This will be the first Mochinut in Jacksonville.
For those who don’t know what Mochi donuts are, they are made with rice flour, which makes them stretchy and chewy. The popular snack originated in Hawaii as a combination of American doughnuts and Japanese mochi. The snack quickly became popular for its unique shape and light crispy coating with a soft, chewy inside. When the company makes its area debut later this year, customers can expect mochi donuts, Korean rice flour hotdogs, bubble tea drinks, and soft serve.
Although mochi doughnuts have been around for decades, Mochinut was founded in March 2020 by Jaewook Ha as a spinoff of Chung Chun Rice Dog, which is where the first Mochinut location opened in Southern California. Now the company has more than 148 locations in existence or under development in the United States, South Korea, and Thailand. Despite opening during the pandemic, the brand has established itself as one of the fastest-growing brands in America. In Florida, Mochinut can be found in Orlando, Tampa, Kissimmee, Pinellas Park, and Bradenton.