Connect
To Top

Meet Adam Bunnell of Hustle ‘N Dough in West LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Bunnell.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started making donuts in my mom’s kitchen on a tiny fryer I bought at Walmart nearly five years ago. No plans of starting a company but just wanted to make really good donuts. My mom is an incredible baker and was in culinary school at the time so she would bring home recipes for me to work on. I’ve always worked in coffee and restaurants and have always known I’ve wanted my own thing and after moving to Los Angeles, I said fuck it and hunted down a food truck. I’ve had some incredible support along the way and can say the truck is finally finding its voice. What has surprised me the most is executing the perfect donut or pouring the perfect latte isn’t what truly matters; it’s making people feel better than they did when they first walked up.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everything is a challenge. We get up at 3 am to start making the donuts. The truck transmission blowing up or the starter dropping out on the 405 isn’t typically on the agenda for the day. I’ve literally had the bumper with our generator bolted to it fall off the back of the truck. Took a year alone to get the food truck permitted to just be able to sell. Countless personal issues caused by stress and focus on the truck. Explaining our fancy donuts to people quickly and efficiently. Finding the right spot.

Please tell us about Hustle ‘N Dough.
At our core Hustle, N Dough is a donut and coffee food truck. We make really delicious coffee and create donut flavors that remind us of childhood but appreciate our foodie tastes as adults. We’re known for being surprisingly delicious and positive vibes. I’m definitely most proud that people don’t hang in the middle with us. You either get and dig what we do or you don’t fuck with us, and I’ll take that. Even if you hate our product and what we’re doing, we want to make you feel good when you’re around our window. We use good ingredients, we care a whole lot, we listen, and more than anything we give a fuck in city that will grind you down quick.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Taken the easy money early. I got romantic about who I wanted my customers to be and how I would make it in my head and none of that matters. Appreciate and love every person who rolls up to your spot.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Russ Wonsley, Janie Che

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesMay 12, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024