Each year, National Donut Day falls on the first Friday of June, which will be June 4 this year. Its origins date back to 1938 when the Salvation Army started a tradition to honor the "Donut Lassies" who gave out baked goods to the front-line soldiers during World War I. New Orleans never shies away from celebrating anything, and National Donut Day is no different. Check out the following five spots to enjoy some of the best fried dough the region has to offer.
Shipley Do-Nut
With over 190 stores, Shipley Do-Nuts originated in 1936 as a mom-and-pop wholesale business. They became so successful, they opened retail shops in the mid 1940s. To celebrate National Donut Day, Shipley's will offer a free glazed donut with every purchase until they close at 11 a.m. 2561 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-264-7351, shipleydonuts.com.
District Donuts, Sliders & Brew
Opened in 2013 by childhood friends Aaron Vogel, Chris Audler, and Stephen Cali, District Donuts offers over 100 selections on a weekly six donut rotating basis. They pride themselves on natural ingredients, always fresh and always from scratch. Be sure to check them out on National Donut Day in one of their three convenient locations. Multiple Locations, districtdonuts.com.
Tastee Restaurant
Tastee was opened in 1968 by Gil Copland, brother of Al Copland, founder of Popeyes Chicken. Tastee proudly serves the New Orleans famous McKenzie's recipes, which they purchased when McKenzie's left the local scene in 2001. Tastee is scattered throughout the New Orleans area. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/TasteeDount47.
Krispy Kreme
Founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937, Krispy Kreme was the first company to create a donut "assembly line." Children and adults alike can go in and watch the donuts travel along the assembly line while wearing their signature paper hats. They will be offering a free donut of your choice on National Donut Day. 825 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 504-779-9620, krispykreme.com.
Joe's Café & Donuts
Since 1988, the Armand family has been serving their family's secret donut recipe. Donuts are served in addition to a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, which can be had at any hour of the day. In honor of National Donut Day, they will offer six free donuts with the purchase of every dozen. Check out Joe's website for one of the six locations throughout the New Orleans area. Multiple Locations, joesknowsfood.com.
