Brother and sister duo Andy and Jennifer Novak are in tune to what downtown Albany needs. The Novaks saw a hole and did what any rational person would do – filled it with possibly the most delicious food in the history of holes!
Nothing against bagels, onion rings, and Cheerios, but what hole-centered food could top gourmet doughnuts?! It’s that logic that fueled the Novaks to open Cider Belly Doughnuts, bringing “a true doughnut experience” and “adding some ‘happy'” to downtown.
All of the doughnuts at Cider Belly are made on-site, so you can be sure that they’ll always be soft and warm. Albany resident Krikor Mahserdjian reports, “You can see them making the doughnuts and they were hot off the fryer when I got there.” The shop has six signature flavors, including cinnamon sugar, maple glazed, cappuccino (which Mahserdjian recommends), and plain apple cider, and features unique varieties as daily specials. Some of the choices you might find when you stop in include ‘raisin’ the bar, crazy monkey, mint chocolate, and peanut butter cookie dough.
Cider Belly’s mission is not only to fill your belly, but to contribute to the expansion of downtown as well. Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, says, “Their shop is evolving into a hot spot for warm, fresh doughnuts, but it’s also adding to the growing inventory of creative, modern retailers that are critical to the growth of a City.”
Even though the shop has only been open since August, Cider Belly already has a solid grip on Albany’s hearts (and appetites). During the grand opening celebration on September 30, Cider Belly gave away doughnuts to all those who came out in support of the shop – the end total was over 1,000 doughnuts!
The Novaks plan to keep expanding their offerings with the support they’ve already felt from the community. “Since day one, downtown Albany and the Capital Region have given Cider Belly a supportive welcome and a feeling that we are really wanted in downtown,” said Jennifer Novak. “It’s great to see so many smiles walking in and out our door each day.”
Try Cider Belly Doughnuts for yourself at the shop – 25 N. Pearl Street, Albany – or call 518-253-4630 for more information.
Got a sweet tooth? Find more places to satisfy your cravings in our Albany bakeries and sweets directory>>
