Feasting of the Yeast: Say Hello to the Wonut

Although they haven't achieved cronut-level hype just yet, as there was no line during a visit this morning, the "Wonuts" at Waffles Cafe are certainly causing a stir.

A Google search elicits 784,000 results. Wonut batches usually run dry before 8:00 a.m. at the Streeterville location and sell out within fifteen minutes at the Lakeview store, according to the Tribune. And Chicago Magazine reports that owner Alex Hernandez has already installed a cronut-esque limit of six per order.

So when should one arrive to secure a Wonut? "Early," Hernandez advises.

"Our Streeterville location opens at 6:30 a.m. and are usually visited by neighborhood and building residents. Our Lakeview location opens at 8:30 a.m. However, we're starting to make a small batch later in the evening to let those who missed out in the morning a chance to come back."

Hernandez is slowly increasing daily production from 10 to 12 dozen. Offering four flavors during the week and eight over the weekend, the current lineup features red velvet with sour cream icing and sprinkled cake crumbs; tiramisu; Mexican chocolate; and green tea with candied pistachios.

Besides triaging customer demand, coordinating staff hires, and preparing for TV appearances, Hernandez is also managing the daily national interest. "I get so many calls asking when we're going to ship or start sending them places," he says. "It's only been a week, so eventually, once we get time, we'll start to look into that. We're just glad and surprised that the word is out."

Although this deep-fried phenomenon is less than a month old, it's only a matter of time before Chicago can tell if Wonuts are here to stay.
· Waffles Cafe, Burgers and 'Wonuts' Heading to the Arami Go Space [-ECHI-]
· 'Wonuts' the latest Chicago foodie sensation [Tribune]
· We Tried the Wonuts From Waffles Café [Chicago Mag]
Eater Chicago intern Aimee Gasior contributed to this story.