More than Donuts

For decades, Pantry Shelf has been serving Hazard — both its employees and customers. Opened in 1967, the store is a place where people can shop for groceries and buy donuts, but what sets it apart from others is the sense of community.  

Korrie Shockey, a recovered addict and baker at Pantry Shelf, has been working there for almost six years.  

During Korrie’s first year working at Pantry Shelf, she was still using drugs, and store owner Susan Brotherton fired her.   

“I went to jail for a little while, and I was in rehab and drug court. After that, I came back, and I asked for my job back…she let me have my job,” Korrie said. “Ever since then, she’s been a huge part of my support system.” 

Korrie explained how important her relationship with Susan has been since getting clean. 

“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have,” Korrie said.  

Now, Korrie has a car and her own house, but most importantly, she has helped to make Pantry Shelf a vessel of family, trust and, of course, donuts.  

Korrie and her team of bakers at Pantry Shelf supply visitors with donuts every morning. As employees often greet customers by name and chat about their personal lives, the rapport is more like that of old friends. 

“We have a lot of customers who come here every day, who are dependent on the store,” Korrie said. 

Korrie said that many of their regulars have been showing up at Pantry Shelf for years, in good times and bad. Pantry Shelf did not close during COVID-19 nor during the most recent floods.  

Korrie took an order on the phone, and after hanging up, she informed the kitchen staff that the woman who called wanted donuts to celebrate her husband being 30 years cancer-free.  

Pantry Shelf is doing more than just making donuts; they’re a pillar in the community of Hazard.  

“My customers love my employees,” Susan said. “They’re like their family by now.”