The Donut Man: LA's Favorite Since 1972
There are few things left in the world that are true Americana- a diner, a gas station where a gallon is less than $2, and a good, simple, donut. Ever since 1972, Glendora’s Donut Man has been that donut for many traveling through the iconic Route 66 in and out of California. However, now you don’t even need a car to savor the fresh deliciousness because they’ve opened up shop in another iconic location: DTLA’s Grand Central Market.
Since Donut Man’s owner Jim Nakano opened up his 24-hour donut shop in Glendora, generations of folks have lined up for their chance to try his donuts, more famously, his strawberry filled donuts. Filled seems like an understatement considering how many strawberries these donuts are packing. Of course, only the freshest fruits make the cut and according to general manager Aaron Wearp, the dough itself is not “the usual” for many reasons. One of them is that “We fry at a higher temperature than most, this, in the end, decreases oil absorption of the donut and gives it a crispier feel.” he said. Depending on the season, the main fruit might be a peach instead of a strawberry, but don’t worry they are just as tasty.
“Everyone has something that makes them special, but we want to keep it as traditional as much as we can. At the end of the day I want that to be a good donut, I want it to be the donut you grew up with,” says Aaron, and for some folks it is. Generations of grandparents, parents, and children have grown up with the Donut Man since 1972, “And they’re tasting that same donut their parents had. It’s a shared experience.”
So you could say Donut Man is in the business of nostalgia and family experiences. It’s no surprise given the founder, Jim Nakano’s rich history. Jim grew up in L.A. and not only is he a legendary entrepreneur he also survived internment camps as a Japanese citizen in WW2, is a veteran, and a self-made family man. Jim and Aaron knew they’d have to eventually expand their roughly 700 sq. ft. flagship to serve more people. However, DTLA’s Grand Central Market found them first and invited them to join the family. According to Aaron, “Jim grew up here, his dad worked on a produce farm who delivered to the Grand Central Market, he had friends whose parents worked here. It’s a full circle with L.A. and Jim, and there are few things as iconic as Grand Central Market.”
They can now proudly rep that they have L.A.’s #1 Donut considering their new address. Despite COVID setting back their original opening date of March 2020, Aaron, Jim, and their team pushed on. When they finally opened their doors, alongside Grand Central Market, the community rallied behind and they had a socially-distant line that wrapped around the building.
Outside of the fruit packed donuts, their foot- long Tiger Tails have caused quite the sensation, and they have plenty of other sweet options for your sugar-fix. The line does move swiftly but if you go around 1-2 PM on the weekday you might luck out and miss the lunch crowd. Outdoor seating is also available now at Grand Central, and with the heat not stopping any time soon it’s a great time to enjoy an iconic L.A. treat from Donut Man, Al Fresco style.
Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography by GL Askew II
