A sour split between the founders of The Salty Donut

Things have gone sour for The Salty Donut.

The pastry chef behind the Wynwood gourmet doughnut shop that inspired blocks-long lines resigned last week. After a falling out with owners Andy Rodriguez, 29, and Amanda Pizarro, 24, executive pastry chef Max Santiago, 41, made the announcement on his Instagram page.

 

So many donuts, so many memories; more than I can fit in one picture, that’s for sure! It’s been a hell of a ride! Greater than I could’ve ever imagined! It was a truly difficult decision but I have decided to part ways with The Salty Donut. Without getting too personal I felt it’s what I needed to do. I have learned so much about the business side of things this past year and I plan to move forward bigger and better than ever! You have just begun to see a glimpse of what I am capable of! I hope you join me on my journey! #donutking #madmax #madscientist #doughnuts #donuts

A post shared by Max Santiago (@chef_maxsantiago) on Mar 11, 2017 at 2:19pm PST

The doughnut shop, which started as a pop up out of a trailer and opened a permanent location in the Wynwood Arcade last fall, will continue using the recipes Santiago created as pastry chef. Among them are their maple-bacon 24-hour-raised brioche doughnut and a brown butter cake doughnut.

Rodriguez and Santiago had made a name for The Salty Donut together. They even teamed up to compete in and win the Cooking Channel’s Sugar Showdown in September. They recreated their winning doughnut — a cream-filled cannoli doughnut — for their fanatical customers. Many waited for up to an hour their and at a pop-up at Miami Beach’s Confidante Hotel to try the confection.

Rodriguez wished his former pastry chef well and stressed the quality of their doughnuts would not be affected.

 

It takes a lot more than 1, 2 or 3 people to accomplish the level of innovation and quality in donuts that we’ve been providing our beloved city with for the past year and a half. Meet the amazing group of 24 people that with incredible creativity, precision, and professionalism, have been making your donuts for the last year! From the flavor creations to the recipe creations to the donut frying and decorating, it’s impossible to single just one of them out because every donut is a collaborative effort that requires so many different skill sets and opinions. This is what makes us a team – or better yet, a family. These guys and gals have vowed to continue pushing the envelope of what we know as a ‘donut’ and we’re so excited to share with you all the big things we’ve been working on… but in the meantime, we’ll see you all tomorrow! ?❤️#saltyfam #thesaltydonut Also can’t forget @thesunnytraveler who took this amazing video for us!!!

A post shared by The Salty Donut (@thesaltydonut) on Mar 13, 2017 at 5:48am PDT

“It’s never been about one or two or three people. It’s about the creativity, the quality of the product,” Rodriguez said. “It has always been a team effort.”

Santiago has worked as pastry chef over the last 20 years for several notable James Beard award-winning chef, such as Michelle Bernstein (at the former Seagrape in Miami Beach), Noman Van Aken and Allen Susser. Santiago had several 1- to 2-year stints with different restaurants in the last 10 years. He said in helping to found The Salty Donut he “found my calling,” and hopes to open his own doughnut and pastry shop.

He said he lamented the split but wished his young cofounders good luck, even as he decides what comes next in his career.

“I’m definitely going to open my own place. I’m not settling for anything less,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

READ MORE: Salty Donut opens brick-and-mortar shop in Wynwood

This story was originally published March 13, 2017 at 3:03 AM.