A popular business in a recognizable location in Mentor has satisfied its last sweet tooth. Spudnuts Donuts, located at 6930 Center St. in the familiar wood-covered building, officially closed on Oct. 11, according to multiple Facebook posts. The city confirmed the closing and Mentor Communications Director Ante Logarusic said it came as a saddening shock. “News of the closure came as a surprise to us,” Logarusic said. “Spudnuts has been a longtime fixture in Mentor and many of us are sad to see them go. We wish the owners the best in their future endeavors but also have confidence that that location will be filled by another operation. “This is an unfortunate but clear example of how a tight labor market can especially impact small family owned businesses like Spudnuts,” he added. In a post on the Spudnuts Mentor Facebook Page, a post thanking the community and loyal customers confirmed Logarusic’s statement on labor affecting the decision to close local businesses: “I want to thank everyone for the support over the many years that Spudnuts has been here. It was a very difficult decision to make to close the store, but trying to do this alone was not fair to my customers. I could not provide the service that they deserved and we have tried providing over the years. As many of you know trying to find reliable and dependable help today is very difficult and that was the problem. “I do not know what the future holds, but I want to thank everyone that came out the last couple of days to show their support for me. I have met a lot of wonderful people over the many years and I will miss you all you have become a big part of my life. I thank you with all my heart. I cannot say thank you enough.” The post elicited many responses sharing memories of picking up donuts for local high schools or colleges or sharing time enjoying donuts and beverages inside the store with family. Another Facebook post stated Spudnuts has operated in Mentor for 40 years. Logarusic said the retail and restaurant market is strong in the community with over 93 percent occupancy, according to the latest report.