One of Vancouver’s most cherished coffee institutions is adding a delicious new chapter to its story. JJ Bean Coffee Roasters is set to officially launch its first donut-focused shop, Neate Donuts, this May — marking a nostalgic and innovative return to the brand’s family roots.
Located at 1066 W Hastings Street, Neate Donuts will open its doors to the public on Monday, May 5, with a soft launch already underway. The shop will specialize in handcrafted donuts made from scratch daily, combining classic recipes with modern creativity — all while honouring the Neate family’s rich culinary legacy.
A Legacy Reimagined: From Coffee and Donuts to a Dedicated Donut Shop
JJ Bean, founded in 1996 by John Neate, is no stranger to Vancouverites. But the story of this local favourite stretches back much further — to 1945, when John’s grandfather Frank Neate began roasting coffee after emigrating from Wales. His wife Ella Neate made fresh donuts to accompany the brews, and together they built Neates Coffee, the precursor to JJ Bean.
For decades, the family’s focus shifted primarily to roasting premium coffee. Now, the circle is complete as the next generation of Neates returns to the donut counter in full force.
“This has been a long time coming,” said John Neate. “Donuts are in our DNA. We’re excited to finally share our vision of what great donuts should taste like.”
Neate Donuts: A Gourmet Take on a Classic Treat
Neate Donuts isn’t starting from scratch entirely. JJ Bean began offering donuts at select locations in 2023 — but the success of that initiative inspired the creation of a standalone shop entirely dedicated to the craft.
Working closely with JJ Bean Bakery Leader Julie Trottier, John Neate spent months refining recipes to rival the city’s top-tier donut destinations, including Lee’s Donuts on Granville Island.
“We weren’t satisfied until we had a donut that felt truly homemade, perfectly balanced, and just a little indulgent,” Trottier said.
The result? A menu that balances time-honoured classics with inventive, seasonal flavours — all made with care and premium ingredients.
What’s On the Menu?
Neate Donuts will feature a rotating selection of 12 flavours daily, designed to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous foodies alike.
Classics include:
- Glazed
- Chocolate Glazed
- Boston Cream
- Raspberry Jelly
Creative and seasonal flavours include:
- Lavender Earl Grey
- Banana Cream Pie
- Dubai Chocolate (a rich, decadent variation)
- “Benny & The Donut” — a limited-quantity savoury option filled with Eggs Benedict fixings
With such a diverse array of offerings, each visit to Neate Donuts promises something new and unexpected — without straying too far from the familiar comforts of a perfectly fried pastry.
Grand Opening Deals and Promotions
To celebrate its Grand Opening from May 5 to May 8, Neate Donuts is offering a sweet promotion:
- Six donuts for $15
- A dozen for $24
Can’t make it during opening week? Don’t worry — customers can also take advantage of another promotion running May 9–10, with 23% off gift cards valid at both Neate Donuts and JJ Bean locations.
A Perfect Pairing for Coffee Lovers
For those who already swear by JJ Bean’s signature roasts, Neate Donuts provides the perfect pairing. Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast or an indulgent afternoon treat, the new shop promises to deliver the same quality and care JJ Bean is known for — now, with even more sugar.
With its prime location in downtown Vancouver, Neate Donuts is poised to become a daily destination for professionals, foodies, and families alike.
The Bottom Line
Neate Donuts represents more than just a new shop — it’s the revival of a multi-generational Vancouver food legacy, baked into every bite. From hand-crafted dough to nostalgic flavour profiles and inventive twists, this launch is a tribute to the city’s past and a delicious step forward for the future of local pastries.
Mark your calendars for May 5, and prepare to fall in love with donuts all over again.
