Our Story

In 2012, we purchased a 1978 Ford school bus that was outfitted as a Calgary Stampeders tailgate vehicle. Red, black and flames on the side with “Ol School” written above the windshield. After a short drive back to Halifax from PEI in a snowstorm with no registration or heat, we got to work in our driveway.

At first, a food truck was the only direction we had. No concrete plans on what type of food we would sell; pies, desserts and pizza were all on the table. One late night, scrolling on internet forums, we came across an automatic mini donut machine from New Zealand and knew we had to have it.

In true family business fashion, Dad drove the bus and made the donuts, mom made all of the sauces and tested recipes, I talked to customers and planned events, Greg and Joe decorated the donuts, and Haley (6 at the time) tagged along for moral support. For ten years, 3+ Connollys have been making the donuts every time the bus opened the window.

In the company’s first year, we purchased and outfitted a newer bus, spent hours trying equipment in our backyard, did test events and ate more donuts than we’d like to admit. Within 11 months, we were ready to hit the streets in our bright red bus.

The product is simple and perfected. Cake mini donuts with a variety of toppings, ranging from classic cinnamon sugar, the caramel skor, and in-season flavours.

On January 12, 2013 we opened for the first time. Lakeland Plants on Main Street was kind enough to let us set up, and after 3 hours we closed up. Called home with the news, we had 5 customers and made 45$. We were so proud seeing our idea come to life. While closing up shop we blew a fryer drainage fitting, and spilled the oil over the whole floor of the truck. The first lesson in the highs and lows of working in a moving kitchen.

It’s been 10 years of great support from our community and city. We’ve done grand openings, food truck rallies, catered movie sets, served weddings, school events, business lunches, toured the province and have had tremendous support from regulars who visit us in Dartmouth Crossing.

This adventure has changed our family’s life. It has supported all of the kids athletics and education. It has contributed to charitable events, sponsored hockey teams, helped fight food insecurity in the community and introduced us to people who are now friends.

Cheers to every person who has visited the bus, booked us for an event, or told others about the bright red donut bus in Dartmouth Crossing!