York County’s Maple Donuts, known regionally for pastries (and politics), sold to a private equity firm

A private equity firm has acquired Maple Donuts, a York County brand known for its pastries and sometimes politics.

Swander Pace Capital issued a news release about the acquisition of Maple Donuts, a 79-year-old Pennsylvania-based company that is based in York County. It was founded by the Burnside family.

“The Burnside family recognized the clear benefits that Swander Pace Capital’s resources and expertise can provide to help Maple Donuts continue its growth trajectory,” Luke Burnside, executive vice president of sales at Maple Donuts, is quoted as saying in the news release.

“Their deep understanding of the bakery industry, combined with their track record of working with family-owned businesses, makes them the ideal partner for our next chapter. We are excited to work with the Swander Pace Capital team to further expand our product offerings, enhance our production capabilities, and extend our market capabilities while maintaining the high standards of quality that have defined Maple Donuts since its founding.”

“We have dedicated our lives to building Maple Donuts into a trusted partner for our customers and a great place to work for our employees. As we transition the business, we are confident that Maple Donuts is in excellent hands for the next chapter with Swander Pace Capital. We look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive under their stewardship,” Damian and Nathaniel Burnside, co-presidents at Maple Donuts, said in the news release.

Swander Pace Capital invests in “defensive consumer staples across the food & beverage and health & wellness categories,” the news release states. “Partners Capital and Constitution Capital Partners served as lead co-investors for the transaction.”

Charlie Burnside, who owned Maple Donuts for years before his death in 2024, transformed the doughnut shop into a regional brand. He was known for his provocative promotions and advertising.

A “FREE O.J.” billboard caught the attention of drivers when O.J. Simpson was accused in the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman, in 1994. The business offered free orange juice with the purchase of a dozen doughnuts.

Burnside said at the time he didn’t support the former NFL star, that he was “just promoting orange juice and doughnuts.”

He also used his advertising campaigns to promote his political views, supporting a number of conservative politicians and causes. He supported Donald Trump, and the business sold a Trump doughnut.

Reporting by Teresa Boeckel, York Daily Record / York Daily Record