A seemingly unlikely combination – running and donuts – will come together at 120 E. Earle St. in downtown Anderson this April.
East North Street doughnut shop Scout’s Doughnuts will expand into a second location in Run-In’s new Anderson location.
Ryland Rainsford owns the doughnut shop with his wife, JP. Dane Simmons owns Run-In Anderson, Greenville and Simpsonville.
The Rainsfords had partnered with the running apparel store in the past, with the couple making custom donuts for Run-In events. They were already friends.
Ryland began running for exercise when he first moved to Greenville. Through it, he found community, friendship, and mentorship.
“Run-In had actually been the place where I have not only been getting my supplies, but also where I’ve gone when I needed advice or coaching,” Rainsford said. “And then eventually, I started running with some other employees and owners, and they just became good friends too, as well as running buddies.”
When the running supply store got the opportunity to open an Anderson storefront, it proposed that Scout’s open a counter in the front of the store. One thing led to another, and the possibility became a reality.
Rainsford saw it as a way to promote personal balance, a bridge for mental and physical health.
“Yes, run hard. Strive to run faster. Maybe don’t eat a doughnut every day,” he said. “But yes, definitely, it’s good to enjoy something sweet with people you love every once in a while. And we feel like this is just kind of the perfect manifestation of that belief.”
Simmons had tremendous respect for the couple and loved the opportunity to bring the concepts together, even joking that this may be the only running store in the country with a doughnut shop inside.
As for the location in Anderson, he saw it as an opportunity to work alongside friends and be part of a historic downtown that is prioritizing walkability and growth.
“What it comes down to is two community partners coming together and joining forces. And, I love their brand and what they do,” Simmons said.
Selections at Scout’s in Anderson will be slightly abbreviated, with about six to eight doughnut options to start. The flagship location typically carries 10 or 12.
Run-In Anderson is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Scout’s Doughnuts in Anderson is expected to open April 13.
If you go: Scout’s painted several running shoes its signature pink, the shoes will go on the wall behind the counter as an art installation.
