Hero Doughnuts & Buns

Wil Drake is the founder and executive chef of Hero Doughnuts & Buns, a beloved doughnut shop and café known for its brioche-based, yeast-raised doughnuts and inventive comfort food. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Hero has expanded to multiple locations, including Atlanta, Charleston, and Nashville, becoming a standout concept within the Pihakis Restaurant Group. Originally from Georgia, Drake moved to Birmingham to attend Samford University, where he majored in dietetics and nutrition. Though his academic path leaned toward healthcare, his passion for food led him to explore culinary work in various settings, from fine dining to medical meal planning. His love for doughnuts was inspired by childhood visits to Krispy Kreme with his father, a tradition that sparked his desire to create his own craft doughnut shop. In 2016, Drake launched Hero Doughnuts as a pop-up at Seasick Records in Birmingham's Crestwood neighborhood. The concept quickly gained popularity, leading to a permanent storefront in Homewood in 2017. Hero Doughnuts specializes in brioche doughnuts made with enriched dough, resulting in a light, fluffy texture. The menu has expanded to include savory items like the Super Crunch fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and breakfast sandwiches, all crafted with the same attention to quality and flavor. Drake's culinary philosophy emphasizes quality ingredients, creativity, and a commitment to community. His dedication to his craft has earned Hero Doughnuts a loyal following and recognition as a standout in Birmingham's vibrant food scene.