Springer Dinger burger, expanded hours at Studabakers, and Blue Jays-themed donuts at Mariposa Market are among the ways businesses are stoking Jays fever
Downtown Orillia has caught a serious case of Blue Jays fever.
From specialty donuts at Mariposa Market to a stadium-inspired burger at Studabakers Beachside, local businesses are finding creative ways to celebrate Canada’s team on baseball’s biggest stage.
At Mariposa Market, the Blue Jays-themed donuts have become an instant sensation. Store manager Carrie Cranney said the idea came together as soon as the staff realized the team was headed to the World Series.
“We’re huge Blue Jays fans,” she said. “Everybody was in on it, wanting to do something special.”
Mariposa Market’s bright-blue, chocolate-cream-filled donuts, topped with Blue Jays rings, sold out within hours of their launch at Mariposa Market. Tyler Evans/OrilliaMatters
The bakery decided to create a bright blue, chocolate-cream filled donut topped with an edible Blue Jays logo. Cranney said 100 were made Friday morning, and all were gone in a flash.
“They sold so fast this morning that we didn’t even get a sign on them before they were gone,” she said. “The first batch was 50, and they were gone before nine. We didn’t really think they would sell out, but the second batch went just as fast.”
The donuts are based on the shop’s popular chocolate Venetian recipe, a customer favourite that made for a natural fit. Cranney said fans also love seeing the staff decked out in Jays gear.
“They absolutely love seeing the whole store dressed up,” she said. “We try and support as much as we can for really exciting events, and the staff is always on board with it.”
Because the donuts are handmade in store, Cranney said anyone hoping to get one should come early or call ahead to order.
Down the street at Studabakers Beachside, general manager Jenn Michelle said the restaurant has transformed into a Blue Jays hub, complete with themed menu items and game-day specials.
During each World Series game, the restaurant is offering Dollar Hot Dogs and 99-cent wings, and all day long, fans can order the new Springer Dinger Burger, a nod to Toronto outfielder George Springer.
“It’s a double smashed patty burger with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, home run sauce, and it’s topped with a buffalo chicken finger,” Michelle said. “The owner, Joe Winacott, came up with the name and recipe. You know what they say, when Springer hits the home run, it’s a Springer dinger.”
Michelle said customer response has been “really well” with more than 15 burgers sold during lunch on Friday.
The restaurant is also introducing Blue Jays cocktails and has committed to opening on Monday nights, a rare move for the establishment, to make sure fans can catch every pitch.
“We aren’t usually open on Monday, but it was a pretty easy decision when it comes down to the Jays,” Michelle said. “Last Monday we were open, and it was great. It was honestly like being at the stadium. It was crazy, you couldn’t even hear yourself think. It was wild in here.”
Michelle said it’s been heartening to see other local businesses join in the excitement.
“It’s good. It’s something we need,” she said. “It gets people to go out. People want to experience this with friends and family and go out to establishments and support them. It’s something to look forward to.”
Studabakers’ Springer Dinger Burger and Mariposa’s Blue Jays donuts will both remain available through the World Series, a downtown double play for fans hungry for baseball and community spirit alike.
