The donut house opened March 25, 2026, as the newest addition to the family business built by Tiffany Lin and Hung Pham. Since opening their first Red Lantern Asian Fusion location in Yelm 2018, the couple has relied on Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) as their trusted financial partner through each stage of growth.

With OlyFed’s support, Tiffany and Hung expanded into downtown Olympia with a second Red Lantern location last year and launched Kawaii Donut House inside the new space serving Japanese-style mochi donuts with a soft, chewy texture and playful design.

The inspiration came from the couple’s 13-year-old son, Brandon Pham. The family joined efforts to bring the concept to life, using a name and logo chosen by Brandon. Fittingly, the donut house’s name combines the Japanese word for “cute” with “Hawaii,” where mochi donuts are also popular. “My son likes the donuts so much,” Tiffany says.

Lots of Popular Mochi Donut Flavors at Kawaii Donut House

When the family opened their first Red Lantern Asian Fusion restaurant in Yelm, Brandon was on hand to help take orders, bring water and clear tables. Tiffany says he wanted to be involved in the family business, often saying, “Mommy, I can help!” It was there that his idea for making mochi donuts was born, becoming a family project.

Mochi donuts are a fusion of an American-style donut and a Japanese mochi rice cake. The flavors and colors of the donuts are as unique as their ingredients, which are made primarily with rice flour and 3% wheat flour. “They are a little chewier and lighter than a regular donut,” Tiffany explains.

After researching recipes and testing flavors, the family created a menu filled with favorites like cookies and cream, cinnamon sugar, taro, matcha lavender, and strawberry, several seasonal specialty flavors. “Cookies and cream is our top seller,” Tiffany says. Brandon also created a Nutella-flavored donut decorated with banana chips. Tiffany says that they were debating about adding a chocolate-flavored donut to the menu, but Brandon lobbied for a Nutella-flavor instead because it would present a hazelnut option. “He convinced me,” she says.

To prepare for the new venture, the family purchased donut-making equipment for the Olympia location and began selling Brandon’s distinctive donuts at Olympia area events such as football games and track meets, where they donated part of the proceeds to the schools. They also sold donuts at the Olympia Farmers Market on weekends, and at other community events.

“We tested the waters to see how people liked mochi donuts,” Tiffany says. “People really liked them because their texture is different.” That strong response gave them confidence to open Kawaii Donut House this spring while continuing to sell at the Olympia Farmers Market and now at the Lacey Night Market.

Family, Staff and Community Support Kawaii Donut House’s Launch

Tiffany’s family is from Taiwan, where her parents are business owners, and Hung’s family is from Vietnam. Tiffany and Hung are industrious workers sharing business owner responsibilities. While they do not expect Brandon to automatically take over their operation someday, they see his inherited drive. “I want to tell him what I know and how I was raised by my parents to never give up,” she says. Brandon’s broad interests include golf, taekwondo, and piano , as well as cooking and helping at the family’s restaurants. “If they (kids) love something and they make it, they can see taking something from nothing to making it come true, and it’s a good learning experience,” Tiffany says.

Tiffany adds that she is also thankful for the staff and community support. She says their employees helped decorate donuts before the grand opening. “This business has been fun to start,” she says. “I want to give a thank you to my employees at both locations. I am really fortunate.”

That same spirit of support is one reason Tiffany and Hung chose OlyFed as their partner form the start. They value working with people who share their commitment to community and customer care.

“They have really supported our business and helped with marketing,” Tiffany says. “They are just wonderful. It feels like a family. They appreciate what you have been through.”

For both Red Lantern and OlyFed, success comes down to creating a welcoming experience and building lasting relationships; something both businesses continue to prioritize with every customer they serve.

Try a Mochi Donut at Kawaii Donut House

Are you curious about mochi donuts? Then stop by the Kawaii Donut House as you walk around downtown Olympia to enjoy a unique donut (or several) and pair the sweet treat with a refreshing bubble tea beverage.

Kawaii Donut House
Located in Red Lantern Asian Fusion
120 5th Ave. SW, Olympia
(360)786-8888