The madman behind viral creations like the “Louybattton” bread purse and a stream of unhinged-but-wholesome daily content, Dovydas Vaisovas has the kind of energy that builds cult followings – and successful restaurants. A professionally trained chef educated in Lithuania and England, with experience in Italian and Asian kitchens, he flipped the local brunch and bakery scene on its head with Habits Bakery.
What began as a cult-favourite brunch and pastry spot in Kaunas has since expanded to Vilnius’ Paupys quarter, regularly drawing lines out the door.
We sat down with Dovydas behind the scenes – in his kitchen, at his counter, and inside his mind – to talk about Habits’ evolution, the daily rituals that keep him sane (or make him seem slightly unhinged), and where this growing bakery empire is headed next.
Does this place feel like home to you?
It does. I know every tiny detail – where everything lives, how everything works. I instantly notice if something is out of place. It feels like home because I built its rhythm.
What part of yourself lives inside Habits?
My vibe. My energy. My standards.
When people walk in, what do you hope they feel?
“Nice place. Where’s Dovydas?”
If Habits were a person?
A skater wearing a Rolex.
Habits started in Kaunas and expanded to Vilnius, Paupys. When did you know it was time to grow?
When people started driving from Vilnius to Kaunas just to visit us. That’s when I knew the capital needed Habits too.
What were the biggest challenges in opening the second location?
Finding the perfect location. Timing. Construction. And most importantly – finding the right people.
Did you refuse to compromise on anything during expansion?
The brunch concept. And quality. Always quality.
Does Kaunas feel different from Vilnius?
A lot. Kaunas was much more chill. Easier in many ways.
You’re the face of Habits – but what are you responsible for behind the scenes?
I’m responsible for the entire kitchen and pastry operation. I create the menu, develop new dishes, oversee quality control – and I still work in the kitchen myself.
10. What does a typical day look like?
Coffee. Checking quality. Making sure the pastries on the counter look perfect. And then – first kitchen selfie.
What part of this business do people underestimate?
How physically and emotionally demanding it is. The stress. The hours. It’s intense.
How do you balance creativity with running a business?
When you build a strong team and delegate properly, you create space for creativity. Without structure, there is no freedom.
Do you have a morning ritual?
I arrive around 5 AM and make coffee for my staff.
What does a perfect morning look like?
All the croissants and bread come out in perfect shape. If the bake is right, the day is right. Everything else can be handled.
How important are the small details?
Very. Vibe is built on small details. Aura is intentional.
Was there a moment you thought: “This is exactly what I imagined”?
Yes. And I still walk in sometimes and think – we really nailed this.
Why the name HABITS?
The idea was simple – we wanted this place to become a habit. First a bakery. Then a restaurant people return to again and again.
My personal habit? Coffee and an apple bun in the morning. That’s the first thing on my mind when I wake up.
Do habits shape identity?
Absolutely. The small things we choose every day define our standards and discipline.
What daily habit helped you build this place?
Discipline. I learned that playing hockey. And to always be on time – I learned that from my father.
Was there a habit you had to break?
I had to give up freedom – late nights, parties, constant social life. I had to focus. Grow up. Take responsibility.
We’ve seen your kids here – what does it mean to share this space with your family?
I always bring my kids to work. They love making pastries, playing with dough, being part of the process. At home, they already cook for themselves. In our family, food is natural. It’s part of who we are.
Do you see Habits as part of your legacy?
Yes.
What do you want your children to learn from watching you build this?
How hard this job really is. And that they can build something even bigger in their own lives.
What’s next for Habits?
Europe. USA. Dubai.
What does success look like to you now?
I used to think building a big business was the ultimate success. Now? A calm weekend with my family feels bigger than any expansion.
Photography and interview by Julia VargalyteIntro and edit by Paula-Stina Tasane