By TR Robertson
Sharon Mickelson will be closing and locking the doors on Wednesday, February 28th, to the business she has been coming to six to seven days a week for 38 years as this will be the final day for her business, Frogy’s Donuts. Located in a small strip mall at the corner of 602 E. Vista Way and Hillside St. across from Chin’s Restaurant, Sharon and her husband Jack, provided a friendly, community-oriented place to grab a delicious, large donut and a warm drink to start the morning.
In a recent interview, Sharon said she was formerly involved in data processing and husband Jack was involved with the early days of computers. When both of these jobs were no longer available to them, they took a leap of faith and purchased two existing donut shops in San Marcos. One use to be located at the corner of Grand and Rancho Santa Fe Drive and the other by the Hollandia Dairy. Sharon said they basically knew nothing about making donuts or running a donut shop when they first opened. They owned these two shops from 1982-1984, running both with limited staff, and decided to sell both locations and open the Vista location in 1986. Sharon said in those days Forgy’s was a popular spot as Vista was a different town. Traffic was less and the fast pace of Civic Center Drive and E. Vista Way was not what it is today. Many Lincoln Middle School students began their morning with a donut from Frogy’s. As these students grew up and became parents themselves, Frogy’s remained a go to place for a freshly made Frogy’s donut.
The name Frogy’s came from Sharon’s daughter, Melinda, who picked out the name for the donut shop from a favorite book she used to read about a Frog that served meals to his friends. Sharon and Jack and their family lived in Vista from 1986-2018. All three of their children, Melinda, Rachelle and Jonathan went to Vista schools and took part in softball, marching band, soccer and cross country.
Frogy’s sponsored numerous local youth softball and soccer teams over the years, Jack coaching some of the soccer teams. The Mickelson’s continued to deliver freshly made donuts with a warm smile and kindness to at least three generations of Vista residents. Customers have mentioned the “mom and pop” feel of the store and the Mickelson’s commitment to making everyone feel welcome was always a draw for them returning to Frogy’s. For years, any unsold donuts have been donated to local churches and community groups to help feed the homeless. Service with a smile was always a motivating message. Frogy’s never sold a “day old” donut.
Sharon and Jack once lived just minutes away from Frogy’s, making the 3 am baking time and store opening at 5 am a little easier. In 2018, Sharon and Jack moved to San Jacinto and started commuting 52 miles each way, to and from work, to continue making donuts for customers. It was then Jack developed dementia, but he still loved coming into Frogy’s daily, greeting the customers. Jack passed away in September 2020. Sharon continued, through COVID, to drive to work from San Jacinto and Frogy’s remained open as she ran the businesses single-handedly. She did say a few friends have occasionally helped her, several obtaining a food handlers card so they could assist customers and work behind the counter. Through all of this, Sharon continues to smile, greet the customers and welcome them to this gem of Vista.
The major decision to retire and close Frogy’s came when she discovered this strip mall and surrounding area is in a prime location for the future development of a condominium complex, making the writing on the wall and the decision a little easier. Asked if she would be opening another donut shop, perhaps closer to where she now lives, her answer was no. Asked if she knew what she would be doing, Sharon said, “I haven’t the faintest idea. I think I will relax, sleep in and enjoy some new things.” She said she has nothing but warm memories of Vista and her longtime friends and customers.
A Letter to the Editor from The Vista Press in 2016 sums up Sharon, Jack and Frogy’s relationship with Vista:
“Looking for happiness? Sometimes it can be found in a place least expected. A well loved and slightly worn-down donut shop where all are welcome and everyone’s opinion counts.
If God appoints guardians at the Pearly Gate, I want them to be just like Jack and Sharon. They own Frogy’s Donuts in Vista, Ca. It is a magical place where all share a cup of coffee and donut with no judgement. Here status, dress, race, income, political party, age have no influence or bearing. Each individual is worthy of respect. At least once a week it serves as a reminder to me of what the world can become someday. I love this place.” Author unknown.
If you get a chance, swing by Frogy’s donuts one morning and thank Sharon for remaining such a loyal Vista business owner and wishing her good luck in retirement. Some upcoming events include Sunday, February 25th, a Customers Open House from 11am-2pm, stop in for cake and coffee or on Tuesday, February 27th a Retirement Party from 10am-11am sponsored by the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Doors will officially close on Wednesday, February 28th.
Happy Retirement Sharon – Vista thanks you for all you have done.
