North Lime puts finishing touches on Old Louisville doughnut shop

Doughnuts and coffee are almost within reach as North Lime puts its finishing touches on its Old Louisville spot.

Construction on the shop, 1228 S. 7th St., is complete and owner Joe Ross expects the shop to open in about 60 days after they install equipment, pass inspections, hire and train about 20 staff members and do a test run.

Ross was calm and collected - and very confident about that two-month timeline - when he gave the Courier-Journal a sneak preview of the new spot.

True to initial renovation plans he shared last summer about his vision for the 19th-century industrial building, the renovated building pays tribute to its past as a site where gas meters were manufactured.

Background: North Lime doughnut shop comes to Louisville

Exposed, weathered brick, concrete floors, and a massive machine lift in the center of the first floor speak to the age and former life of the structure. Meanwhile, tall windows and 26 feet high ceilings lend an airy, sunny vibe to the space.

The building was the first place a realtor showed Ross when he decided to open a Louisville location of the popular Lexington chain.

“When I first looked at it, I didn't really know what the inside looked like,” he said. "It didn't have electric or plumbing, and had been empty for years."

He loved it.

“It was beautiful, just like the rest of Old Louisville,” Ross said.

Though the shop is located next to the new Edison Center, there's little foot traffic on this stretch 7th St. That doesn't deter Ross.

“We'll create it,” he said. And he hopes the shop can become a draw for the area.

Sweet news: Louisville entrepreneur creates line of 'guilt-free' desserts

Courier-Journal event: Get the facts on the 24 restaurants participating in the Food & Wine Experience

Glazed doughnuts are $1, “so we hope everyone feels welcome,” Ross said. Other doughnuts top out at $2. “We just really want it to feel like a community place where everyone feels welcome.”

And lingering is encouraged. The patio will be dog-friendly and a second-floor area will even provide individual cubby-type seats with lights for folks who want to get some work done. And there's plenty of fuel for working; a coffee and espresso bar featuring Good Folks roast along with guest brews will offer a full line-up of caffeinated beverages, including concoctions by staff.

Staff will have a hand in creating the doughnut line-up.

“We let their creativity shine,” Ross said. Half a dozen main options will be available every day, including glazed and chocolate-iced yeast doughnuts, and cinnamon sugar and funnel cake doughnuts.

(Diehard fan of only one or the other? Quick tip: Square doughnuts are yeast and round are cake, Ross said).

Podcast: How coffee roasters plan to build a new Louisville public market

While most shops use mixes, he said, theirs are all made from scratch. A monthly special will be decided by staff, and daily specials round out offerings.

Look for options like blueberry cheesecake, French toast and pumpkin cream cheese, as well as doughnuts done in collaboration with local business, such as one made with beer from Old Louisville Brewery.

No matter the product, it's going to be made here. “If we don't make it by hand we don't serve it,” he said.

You may like: Chef Edward Lee dumps Coke in favor of 'artisanal' soda at Louisville restaurants

Hiring is underway now, and, as part of training, Ross said, “we'll randomly be dropping off coffee and donuts around the neighborhood so they can get some practice.”

While the doughnuts have gotten rave reviews at local events, such as a beer and doughnut night at Old Louisville brewery, Ross wants North Lime to be more than just tasty treats. In addition to their collaborations with local businesses, “we'll be donating ten percent of profits to local charities, as local as possible,” he said, “and we encourage employees to get involved in the community.”

Keep an eye on their social media channels for an exact opening date.

Hours will be 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and to-be-determined Saturday and Sunday. Ross is exploring evening hours and additional offerings, including wine.

More information: northlime.net or 502-398-5739.

Tell Dana! Send your restaurant “Dish” to Dana McMahan at thecjdish@gmail.com and follow @danamac on Twitter.

You may like: Louisville chef Damaris Phillips to host two nationally televised food shows