How Cambodian Refugees Built a Donut Empire in the United States

Let’s talk about the sweet story behind why so many Cambodians own donut shops in the United States. It all started in the 1970s when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, leading to a devastating regime that forced many Cambodians to flee their homeland as refugees. Fast forward to the 1980s, and a Cambodian refugee named Ted Ngoy discovered an opportunity that would change the course of many Cambodian American lives — owning and operating donut shops!

Ngoy realized that donut shops were popular in Southern California and that owning one could be a sustainable way to make a living. So, he began offering loans and training to other Cambodian refugees who were interested in opening their own donut shops. And just like that, the donut shop trend among Cambodian Americans was born!

Donut shops provided a relatively low-cost way for refugees to start their own businesses. The industry was not dominated by large corporations or franchise chains, making it easier for independent operators to succeed. Ngoy’s idea quickly caught on, and owning a donut shop became a part of Cambodian American culture.

Today, you’ll find Cambodian-owned donut shops all over the United States. These shops are a symbol of the resilience and perseverance of the Cambodian American community. They represent a pathway to economic success for many Cambodian refugees and immigrants. So, the next time you visit a Cambodian-owned donut shop, take a moment to appreciate the history and culture behind this sweet and delicious phenomenon.

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