Some businesses open with a business plan.
Others open with a mission.
Cops & Doughnuts in Clare, Michigan was born out of something deeper than profit — it was born out of community loyalty.
In 2009, a historic Michigan bakery faced closure during the recession. The Clare City Bakery—operating continuously since 1896—was about to shutter its doors forever. Then something extraordinary happened: all nine members of the Clare Police Department pooled their resources and bought it.
What started as a desperate act to save a community landmark became Cops & Doughnuts, one of Michigan's most unique small business success stories. Located at 521 N McEwan St, Clare, MI, this isn't just a doughnut shop—it's a police-owned phenomenon drawing half a million visitors annually.
The Rescue Mission That Made National News
Picture this: nine cops sitting in their usual doughnut shop, hearing the owner needs to sell. Instead of just mourning the loss, they ask, "What if we buy it?"
Owners: Greg Rynearson (President), Al "Bubba" White (VP), and seven fellow officers
Timeline: Deal closed in two weeks
Original building: Brick structure from Clare's early days, across from Hotel Doherty
Kept: Original baker + key recipes
They kept the bakery running 7 days a week while adding police-themed flair—turning a near-tragedy into Clare's #1 attraction.
What Makes Cops & Doughnuts Different
Three storefronts under one roof:
The Bakery: Fresh handmade doughnuts daily + Cops Coffee
The Cop Shop: Police memorabilia, t-shirts ("Eat My Shorts"), mugs, hats
The Diner: Full breakfast menu, sandwiches, ice cream
Standout Features:
Handmade confections from 1896 recipes
Police decor (safe, friendly vibe—no uniforms needed)
Massive souvenir selection (international mail orders)
Event space for parties/meetings
Expansion Success:
Precincts in Bay City, Gaylord, Mt. Pleasant
500+ retail locations across Michigan
Merchandise licensing deals
The Menu That Keeps People Coming Back
Doughnut Highlights:
Must-Try Classics:
Maple Long Johns
Bavarian Cream Filled
Apple Fritters (huge)
Cinnamon Rolls
Seasonal specialties
Beyond Doughnuts:
Full breakfast plates
Lunch sandwiches
Ice cream counter
Cops Coffee (proprietary roast)
Pro Tip: Arrive hungry. Portions match Clare's appetite for doughnuts.
Location Perfect for Michigan Travelers
Clare = Central Michigan crossroads:
I-75/US-27 junction (easy access)
1.5 hours from Grand Rapids
2 hours from Detroit
Right in downtown Clare
Pure Michigan road trippers stop here between:
Mackinac Island → Sleeping Bear Dunes
Upper Peninsula → Lake Michigan coast
Mid-Michigan → Traverse City wine country
Street parking out front. Open daily 6AM-10PM (verify seasonally).
Community Impact: More Than Doughnuts
Economic Savior:
Preserved 113-year-old jobs
Revitalized downtown Clare
Created tourism destination
Police Community Relations:
Shows officers as entrepreneurs
Humanizes local law enforcement
Funds police department initiatives
National Recognition:
Featured on TV (Anthony Bourdain, Food Network)
International visitors
Merchandise shipped worldwide
Why It Works (Small Business Lessons)
Perfect Branding: Cops + doughnuts = instant recognition
Authentic Story: Real cops saved real bakery
Location Leverage: Highway travelers = captive audience
Multiple Revenue: Bakery + merch + diner + licensing
Scalable Concept: Precincts + wholesale without losing HQ charm
Visitor Experience
Expect:
Doughnut aroma hits you 50 yards away
Crowded (peak weekends/holidays)
Police memorabilia everywhere
Friendly cops-turned-bakers
Tourist vibe (worth it)
Reviews Say:
TripAdvisor: 4.6/5 (431 reviews) - #1 Clare restaurant
Yelp: "Must stop when in Clare"
Pure Michigan: "What everyone is talking about"
Expansion & Future
Current Precincts:
Clare HQ (flagship)
Jay's Sporting Goods (Gaylord)
Bay City outpost
Mt. Pleasant location
Merch Empire:
500+ retail partners
Online store (copsdoughnuts.com)
International shipping
Growth Philosophy: Keep HQ authentic, franchise the concept.
Perfect Michigan Road Trip Stop
Combine With:
North: 90min → Mackinac Bridge
East: 2hr → Frankenmuth Bavarian town
West: 2hr → Ludington State Park
South: 2hr → Michigan International Speedway
Road Trip Math:
Clare exit → 15min stop → back on I-75
Doughnuts + coffee + merch = perfect break
Visit Info
Address: 521 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617
Phone: (989) 386-2241
Hours: 6AM-10PM daily (verify)
Website: copsdoughnuts.com
Parking: Street + adjacent lot
Pro Tip: Weekday mornings = shortest lines, freshest doughnuts.
Why Cops & Doughnuts Matters
This isn't corporate coffee shop #7342. It's nine police officers betting their savings on a 113-year-old bakery during recession. They won.
Michigan small business at its finest—grit, community, perfect branding, scalable growth. Next time you're on I-75, take the Clare exit. World domination starts with one doughnut at a time.
Michigan Small Business Spotlight salutes Cops & Doughnuts: proof cops can save more than the day—they can save doughnuts too.