Before D.C. had a Krispy Kreme, Washingtonians in search of a freshly made doughnut could depend on the two branches of Heller’s Bakery. They may not have had the cachet of former White House pastry chef Ann Amernick’s mythical creations or the zen-like simplicity of Colorado Kitchen’s bucket o’ holes, but Heller’s doughnuts were nothing to scoff at.

After the Tenleytown location closed a few years ago, Heller’s fans began to worry, but the Mt. Pleasant location seemed to be going strong. This fall, when the doors were abruptly locked and the windows were covered with paper, we feared the worse. Had gentrification and Atkins teamed up to take down this neighborhood favorite? Imagine our joyous surprise when, in the midst of Monday’s faux-snow day DCist walked out of the hardware shop nextdoor and saw the lights on and the doors open once again. With new owners and a snazzier looking interior, Heller’s is back in business!

The doughnuts are as good as they always were, and there are plenty of breads, cakes, pastries, pies, and even breakfast sandwiches for those of you who don’t feel the call of the crullers. Happy eating!