After 23 years of making and serving hot and fresh donuts, “Texas-sized” cinnamon rolls and other treats, George Scott and Mary Tyson need a break.

The couple has owned The Donut Shop at the corner of Homochitto Street and John R. Junkin for 23 years and recently put it up for sale.

Scott and Tyson bought the shop because the donut business has “no rain-outs” like Scott’s previous job working as a welder for H.B. Zachry, now Zachry Construction Corporation.

But after years rolling dough, standing in front of the glazer and sometimes lifting 60 pounds of dough at a time, Scott and Tyson say they’re ready to retire.

“We’re burned out,” Scott said. “We’ve given our life to it. My knees have gone out, and we just can’t hang anymore.”

Tyson has shoulder damage from using the glazing dipper and said her body needs a break.

“We’re in our 50s, and if we were still 30, there’s no way we would sell,” she said. “But we’ve worked hard, and it’s just (taken a toll) on our bodies.”

The two have “mixed feelings” about selling The Donut Shop, though.

“It’s a good business,” Tyson said. “We appreciate everyone’s business. Without (our customers) we wouldn’t have had as big of a success as we have had. We love Natchez, and we love our customers.”

Scott said several prospective buyers are interested in the property, and he and Tyson are looking to sell as soon as possible.

The Donut Shop has an established local reputation, Scott said, and has been featured on the Food Network, in Southern Living, The New York Times and National Geographic.

With that kind of notoriety, Scott said he does not believe potential buyers will close the shop.

“I figure since it’s known nationwide, I’m sure it will stay The Donut Shop,” he said.