Donutchew, a mochi donut shop, is coming to Rio Lakefront taking over the location that was formerly home to Starbucks next to Fantasticks at 213 Boardwalk Place in Rio.

Earlier this afternoon we spoke with a representative who told us construction has already begun and that Donutchew expects to open in approximately three months.

Donutchew currently has stalls in Fair Oaks Mall and the K-Market in Annandale with additional locations coming to Centreville, Fairfax City, Kingstowne, and Richmond in Virginia and an additional store in Georgia, according to the company’s website.

Starbucks closed permanently in September of 2020 and Fantasticks opened up next door last spring.

The Rio Lakefront leasing website also lists Donutchew as a tenant.

Per Donutchew:

Mochi donuts are so deliciously different from the ones found in most donut shops and bakeries. Made with glutinous rice flour, the texture is dense and chewy(some even describe it as “bouncy”).

These are the best Mochi Donuts because they have the perfect level of sweetness and just the right texture to make them completely addictive. And they are also made into a beautiful pon de ring shape that will look great on any dessert table or with your morning coffee. Try these glazed with any number of flavor variations. These mochi donuts areversatile, fun, and delicious!”

The news was brought to our attention by Instagram account @themocosource

Photos courtesy of Donutchew