EAST LANSING — A Michigan State University graduate will open the Lansing area’s first Mochinut location near his alma mater this summer.
The Hawaii-based dessert shop chain that serves mochi donuts, Korean-style corn dogs and a variety of drinks, already has 130 locations, including spots in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor.
Now Chris Tebeau, who graduated from MSU in 2001, will open a new franchise location in a 1,900-square-foot storefront at 311 W. Grand River Ave.
A resident of Macomb Township, the shop is his first business and something “unique and different” that Tebeau, 47, said he wanted to bring to East Lansing.
“There’s always been a pride that comes with being a part of MSU,” he said.
At Mochinut, the menu centers around different varieties of mochi doughnuts. The pastry is made with rice or tapioca flour, ingredients that make them fluffy and moist. The chain also serves Korean-style corn dogs, which are hot dogs or cheese coated in a batter and then rolled in panko breadcrumbs or cubed potatoes, then often dusted with sugar.
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Tebeau was introduced to the chain by a friend who runs their own location.
The East Lansing Mochinut will serve boba teas and other flavored and frozen drinks. It will also feature a make-your-own ramen station that offers different flavors and toppings.
Tebeau is leasing the West Grand River Avenue storefront and aims to offer seating for about 15 customers inside. The business will employ about 10 to 12 employees, he said.
The goal is to open the location, which already sports outside signage introducing the brand, sometime in June, Tebeau said.
Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State grad to open East Lansing Asian-inspired dessert shop
Reporting by Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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