National Donut Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June. The tradition started in 1917, when Salvation Army female volunteers served fresh donuts to WWI soldiers after their service in France. In 1938, the Chicago Salvation Army established the day to raise funds during the Great Depression. Today, the day is still celebrated with donuts, and many donut shops offer special deals and discounts in honor of the day. Follow your favorite shop on Facebook for specials.
LaMar’s
Nine locations in the Kansas City area.LaMars.com
A Kansas City original, Ray Lamar started making delicious donuts from scratch in 1933 at Jack Frost’s donut shop. He opened his first LaMar’s in 1960 on Linwood Boulevard in a converted gas station. The location became famous for lines out the door as customers started buying donuts at 6:00 in the morning, with 11,000 sold by closing time. Among the 27 nationwide locations, LaMar’s Donuts produces 344,700 donuts per week, which is 17.9 million donuts each year. Ask locals which donuts are worth waiting in line for, and the answer is always LaMar’s.
Top Three Favorites: Classic glazed donuts, the knot (half traditional glazed and half chocolate glazed), long Johns with filling.
Fluffy Fresh Donuts
5729 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS, 913.831.1609
This locally owned donut shop is known for its delicious donuts that are crisp on the outside with a soft and tasty inside. These confections are best enjoyed warm and early. In fact, the shop is very popular, and locals know to arrive early for the best selection before they sell out and to bring cash (credit cards not accepted).
Top Three Favorites: Glazed, plain cake donut, cinnamon twists
Donut King
2320 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO, 816.472.1412
A Northland favorite since 1969, Donut King makes all of their donuts from scratch behind the counter where you watch. Their diverse menu features 44 types of donuts, all with that delicious homemade quality customers love.
Top Three Favorites: Fritters, chocolate cruller, peanut butter donut
Holt’s Do-Nuts
1325 Main St., Grandview, MO, 816.763.9334
This locally owned shop has a loyal following, and the fans know that they close as soon as they sell out. The shop makes all their donuts from scratch.
Top Three Favorites: Glazed, Bavarian crème, jelly donuts
Poppy’s Famous Donuts
318 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO, 816.836.1211
Poppy’s has been a favorite for generations. With hot pink décor and a delicious aroma that lures you in, this shop offers fun and tasty treats for the entire family. They offer a huge selection of delicious donuts Monday through Saturday.
Top Three Favorites: Long John, apple fritter, cake donuts