Come for the Pharmacy, Stay for Donuts at Cate’s Pharmacy and Donuts

Daniel Cate, PharmD, and Callie Cate, pharmacy technician, are the owners of Cate’s Pharmacy and Donuts in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pharmacy and donuts? Yes, a pharmacy with donuts! This pharmacy is a “twist on an old-school soda fountain,” as Daniel Cate describes.

Growing up, Cate knew he wanted a career in the medical field but never thought of pharmacy—that is, until he worked at his friends’ family’s pharmacy during high school. Soon, he enrolled in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy in Little Rock.

Since the third year of pharmacy school, Cate dreamed of owning his own pharmacy. “I had never considered opening my own pharmacy—I thought I would buy a pharmacy,” he recalls. After graduation from pharmacy school, he worked at several independent pharmacies in the area. He was disappointed that an opportunity did not come along to purchase an existing pharmacy, but in fall 2023, an opportunity came up. Someone he knew had a great location and building that would be perfect for a pharmacy. The landlord asked whether Cate would consider starting a pharmacy there.

Cate and his wife, Callie, spent the next 16 months preparing to open Cate’s Pharmacy and Donuts, and the pharmacy opened in January 2025. Cate brainstormed with one of the partners who owned the building and also owned a local restaurant chain. They talked about how to set the pharmacy apart and draw people in. Running with the soda fountain idea, the pharmacy now serves donuts, ice cream, shakes, and sodas, along with quality coffee from favorite local roaster Fidel & Co.

As someone who did not have a background in food service, “the opening was wild,” Cate says. “There were lots of kinks to iron out, but we were pretty overwhelmed by how excited people were for donuts.” For the first few months, Cate jokes they were “basically a donut and coffee shop” while they were still building their pharmacy clientele.

The pharmacy serves 3 main flavors of donuts that are always on the menu—chocolate, vanilla, and blueberry—along with seasonal rotations, such as red velvet for Valentine’s Day and strawberries and cream for summer. This draws people in, as they want to try the different flavors, Cate says. They also offer various coffee drinks, including hot drip coffee with add-ins, cold brew coffee, and iced lattes.

Cate’s Pharmacy and Donuts has a drive-through, where people often pick up prescriptions along with donuts—Cate tells of a family friend who recently drove through for a prescription and a dozen donuts. “That’s the concept in action,” he says. “One drives the other.” Cate says many pharmacy patients started out as coffee and donut patrons, and vice versa.

How do the Cates manage a pharmacy and donut shop at the same time? “My wife and I do some of everything,” Cate says. “Some heroes come in every day at 5 AM and make the donuts for the day.” A lot of the staff crosses over, but they have some food service staff, and they also have technicians who help with the donuts and coffee. “Some of the staff operate in both arenas throughout the day,” he explains.

In addition to the unique food and drink offerings, Cate notes that there are no other independents in the area that offer a drive-through. “People like the drive-through option,” he says. “They are looking for a more personal experience than a chain, but they like the convenience of the drive-through.”

Daniel, Callie, and the rest of the staff make an effort to value their patients. “We believe that people have value, and we want to treat people with love and respect, whether they’re here for donuts, vitamins, or prescriptions. We want to take good care of them in all the ways we can offer,” Cate says. Although the town of Little Rock is large, Cate also describes the connections people have. “Little Rock is big but feels small—a lot of people are connected in a lot of ways—schools, churches, community activities. There is a lot of familiarity, and we get new patients every day.” They emphasize friendly and fast service, greeting every patient and making everyone feel welcome.

The Cates carefully planned the layout to offer a warm, comfortable setting. There are booths around the lobby near big, sunny windows, which is welcoming for many. “We try to make it a community feel—people come in and study, hang out in groups for breakfast. Parents bring their kids in on Saturday mornings,” Cate says. “It’s a good atmosphere for folks to come in and spend their time with us.”

The pharmacy also offers a lot of local products. In addition to using local coffee in the products they serve, they sell coffee beans. They also sell products from local vendors, including local honey, watercolor art, personal care products made with beef tallow, and locally made beef sticks (from Arkansas cows). Customers especially love the Rowe Casa Organics products, including personal care products and cleaning supplies that are chemical-free and made with simple ingredients.

The Cates have 4 boys between the ages of 6 and 11 years, so much of their spare time is spent at the soccer field or basketball court or playing flag football. As a family, they also enjoy watching and attending Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events together.