If you’ve spent any time on online over the past year, chances are you’ve already seen the lineups. Homies Donuts, known across Quebec as Homers Boîte à Beignes, has officially opened its first Ottawa location at Herongate Square on Walkley Road, bringing its viral, Simpsons-inspired treats to the capital after building a devoted following just across the river in Gatineau.
A Sweet Tribute to Springfield’s Favourite Donut Lover The concept behind Homies is as playful as its treats. Named after Homer Simpson’s well-documented love of donuts, the brand first launched in Quebec back in March 2024 and quickly expanded across Montreal, Gatineau, and beyond, eventually making its way to New York City and Dubai. The Gatineau location, which opened last year at 73 Boulevard de la Gappe, became known for hour-long lineups and a menu that pushed the donut well past its usual boundaries. That same energy has followed the brand to Ottawa, where the new Herongate location keeps the bold pink-and-blue aesthetic and neon lighting that’s become a signature of the Homies brand, along with arcade cabinets for anyone waiting in line to pass the time.
More Than Just a Classic Glazed The signature donut here is a colourful, sprinkle-covered nod to the one Homer himself is so often seen enjoying, but the menu doesn’t stop there. Flavours range from a creme brulee donut finished with a crackly burnt-sugar top to savoury options like pesto pistachio and cheddar jalapeño with ranch, plus the brand’s now-famous “beignewich,” a donut reimagined as a sandwich. Cinnamon buns round out the lineup, with flavours like caramel pecan and raspberry pistachio joining the classic.
Worth the Wait? Given the lines that formed at the Gatineau location, Ottawa donut lovers should probably expect a wait at the new Herongate spot too, at least in these early days. But if the response across Quebec and now Toronto is any indication, it’s shaping up to be one of the city’s most talked-about new openings this summer.
