Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Flietstra.
Hi Kara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Dank Donuts began as a dream to bring something new and needed to Big Bear. Founders Kara Flietstra and Robert Toste, originally from the Long Beach area where donut shops line every corner, grew up visiting the mountains and knew this community could use a fun, creative donut shop of its own. “Our dream was to live in the mountains, and we decided to make that dream a reality — we should open a really Dank Donut shoppe. ”
Their bold idea was met with some skepticism at first, but Kara and Robert leaned into their passion. “If you love what you’re doing, just go for it,” Kara says. “Even if people think you’re crazy, hard work and heart will make it happen.” That grit and dedication turned Dank Donuts into a local favorite and earned them recognition from the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce with the Excellence in Business Award.
What makes Dank Donuts stand out isn’t just the location or the product — it’s the spirit. In a small town, community feedback is immediate and honest, and Kara and Robert have embraced it as a way to constantly grow and refine their business. Positioned in Big Bear’s evolving Moonridge corridor, they see the future of the shop as deeply connected to the future of the town itself.
Today, Dank Donuts is more than a place to eat; it’s a symbol of community, perseverance, and mountain culture — where every donut carries a little bit of Big Bear’s joy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any business, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As young business owners, money was tight and a lot of people doubted the dream. Finding reliable help in such a small community has always been a challenge, and then there are the curveballs of mountain life — snowstorms, power outages, road closures… But through all of it, we’ve stayed focused, adapted, and leaned into the community that makes Big Bear so special.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Dank Donuts, we specialize in creating donuts that are as fun and memorable as the mountain town we call home. We’re known for making sure every guest leaves with something delicious and a smile. What makes us most proud is that we’ve built more than just a donut shop — we’ve created a community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike feel connected. What sets us apart is our location right on the way to the slopes, our quirky spirit, and our commitment to creating something fun and different for our Community. We’re not just making donuts; we’re fueling adventures and giving people a little joy to carry with them up.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is simple: if you’re passionate about something, go for it — even if other people think you’re crazy. When we first talked about opening a donut shop in the mountains, a lot of people doubted us, but passion and persistence carried us through. Don’t be afraid of hard work, and don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time, because it will never come. I wish I had known earlier how important it is to lean into your community and to be flexible when challenges come up. Small business ownership is full of curveballs, but if you stay true to your vision and keep showing up, it’s worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dankdonuts.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dankdonuts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dankdonuts/
- Twitter: @dankdonuts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dank-donuts-big-bear-lake-2
