It’s the kind of news that leaves a hole in your heart—especially if that heart is sugar-filled and glazed. Mojo Donuts, a beloved Miami staple, is closing its doors at its three locations in Kendall, Coral Gables, and Westchester. But before you start mourning too hard, the original location in Pembroke Pines will stay open. This bittersweet closure marks the end of an era for donut lovers who’ve flocked to Mojo for off-the-wall flavors like Nutella Bacon and Tiramisu Donuts.

But Mojo’s closure isn’t just about losing a beloved donut shop—it’s a sign of the times for small businesses trying to survive the social media-driven food craze.

When Mojo first opened in 2013, they weren’t just selling donuts; they were selling an experience. Who else would dare put bacon on a donut or whip up a fruity pebbles flavor that makes you rethink your breakfast? Mojo’s innovative sweet-savory creations quickly captured the attention of locals—and even Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives—solidifying its status as a Miami food gem as the first and only donut shop to be featured on the show.

But in recent years, Mojo expanded its menu, introducing fried chicken and other savory options, hoping to tap into a broader crowd and extend its staying power in a competitive market. Yet, even with these new offerings, the shop found itself struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of food trends.

Enter Crumbl Cookies, the viral cookie chain giant founded in 2017, which keeps customers on their toes with weekly flavor drops. Every Sunday at 8 p.m., Crumbl posts its new lineup for the week—peanut butter cheesecake, birthday cake, chocolate caramel pretzel—ensuring customers stay hooked and influencers on TikTok keep posting reviews. At this point, Crumbl’s not just a cookie shop; it’s an weekly event.

But that constant innovation comes at a cost—one that Mojo couldn’t keep up with. As Jimmy Piedrahita, a co-founder for Mojo, told The Miami Herald, “The cost wasn’t sustainable. Even the price of flour doubled.” In a world where you can’t just serve your classic donut anymore, Mojo couldn’t afford to keep up with the nonstop churn of trends and inflation. “We’re a humble doughnut shop. We can’t sell a $17 donut,” Piedrahita said.

As if that wasn’t enough, the market has changed in more ways than one. In recent years, health and wellness trends have gained momentum, complicating life for indulgence-driven businesses like Mojo Donuts. Consumers are more health-conscious than ever, with the global wellness food market expected to grow by $362.15 billion by 2025. Fitness influencers and TikTok trends have shifted the focus to superfoods, collagen-laced smoothies, and cauliflower pizza crusts—leaving places like Mojo’s sugary creations to fight for relevance.

The truth is, for small businesses in the food world, it’s no longer just about making great products; it’s about adapting to rapidly changing trends, managing costs, and having the resources to keep up. And as Mojo Donuts closes its doors in Miami-Dade, it’s a harsh reminder that, in the age of food trends, staying relevant can be a full-time job—and even the best local gems can’t always keep pace.

So, as we say goodbye to Mojo’s Miami locations, let’s hope the next big food craze is a little sweeter—and a little less high-maintenance.