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Smithtown family opens second Duck Donuts on Long Island

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Long Island’s Duck Donuts lovers have one Smithtown family to thank for bringing the made-to-order donut concept to New York.

It’s husband-and-wife team Veronica and Anthony Bencivenga.

In 2018, the couple brought the North Carolina-based donut shop Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge — the state’s first.

For the uninitiated, the donut eatery operates like a Chipotle or Five Guys where there’s an assembly line ordering system allowing patrons to choose custom toppings and fillings for their orders.

The Smithtown couple — who had three children attend Smithtown East High School — were in awe of the community’s reception of their venture in New York.

“There’s been a lot of positivity,” said Veronica. “Already in the area, people had a preference for fresh made-to-order foods… it’s nice because it gives people another alternative.”

After the successful launch, the Smithtown couple is on to their next chapter.

Last week, the Bencivengas launched a new location at College Plaza in Selden.

It didn’t come without any trials and tribulations. Leading up to the store launch, there was much uncertainty because of the global pandemic.

“It was touch-and-go for a while,” said Veronica. “But my family and I are very excited to be able to open this second location despite COVID.”

The couple planned to open sooner this year, but due to the virus plans were pushed back. That didn’t stop them from hosting pop-up shops in front of their new location to introduce themselves to the neighborhood.

“It worked out very well,” said Veronica, who added it was a safe way to supply her product to their customers during the outbreak.

And as for the opening goes, Veronica described the day as “great” with her customers being very friendly and supportive.

The Selden Duck Donuts’ hours of operations will be Sunday-Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rest of the week.

To learn more, visit them on Facebook.

Top: Veronica and Anthony Bencivenga with their three children Michael, Jack, Natalie in the new Selden Duck Donuts (courtesy)

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