Blue Collar Joe’s to close on March 18
Daniel Knight in better days at a doughnut eating contest.
“It was a good three and half year run, we fought the good fight, but we can’t keep going,” said owner Daniel Knight about the impending closure of the doughnut shop, Blue Collar Joe’s in Daleville on March 18. Knight spoke of the economy, personal trials, including surviving a house fire, and bad press as contributing to the end of the shop.
Last year he thought it looked like the shop had a future. After getting extra financing from selling the building to a bank and big publicity making doughnuts on The Food Network when the episode debuted in April 2011, Knight opened a second location in downtown Roanoke at The Patrick Henry Hotel. In August 2011 a high brow version called “Uptown Joe’s ” opened.
A champion of dog adoption, often hosting events to adopt or raise funds in a jar by the register, Knight tried to be a part of the community with his business. Frequently, Blue Collar Joe Gift Cards appeared in school and civic raffle baskets.
Since the doughnuts were made in Daleville, Uptown Joe’s will continue as a coffee and sandwich shop, he noted. No more Botetourt Bogs or blueberry or bacon doughnuts.
Knight concluded, “The community welcomed us and we appreciate all of the support since our opening.” And so goodbye to Blue Collar Joe’s. Knight also said he is looking for a job.
On Friday March 9, he said he will post more on the closure on the Blue Collar Joe Facebook page.
March 8, 2012 - 5:21 PM
Joe’s should have stayed in Botetourt and kept his faithful base there instead of spreading himself too thin and opening the downtown shop. People would come off the interstate and get donuts from BCJ’s. Sooooo sad to hear this….the faithful feel as though they became the leftovers. BCJ’s will be MISSED!!!!
Just harsh economic times everywhere it seems.
Seems to me that this article was posted here and on your facebook page before the owner was able to let everyone, including his employees, know of the closure. Daniel is not that kind of person. Kinda low to be able to get a story.
Knight said he had already told his employees and we let him know the post would go up last night. All things considered, he is closing up shop on March 18 and that has nothing to do with when the news got out. All who worked there are certainly affected by it, but none more so than Knight himself. BCJ’s closure is a loss to the community here in Botetourt County.