by Srivalli Adarapu (’26) and Mahi Raithatha (’26) | March 22, 2024

Americans love delicious deep fried treats, especially donuts. Over 25,000 shops in the United States serve these delectable desserts, which originated in New York during the 17th to 18th century. Dutch immigrants in the area fried balls of dough and, since the inside cooked slower than the outside, filled them with fruits and nuts.

In the mid-19th century, Hanson Gregory, an American sailor, allegedly created the classic ring shape of the donut by cutting a hole through the center. This solved the problem of the inside cooking slower, and as a result, people did not need to add a filling to the center. During both world wars, women volunteers prepared donuts, which were relatively easy to make, in order to remind soldiers of home. Even after the wars, donuts remained popular, especially among veterans and soldiers.

During the 20th century, the donut making process became even easier with the invention of the donut machine in Adolph Levitt’s New York bakery. The new invention captivated people and allowed more people access to donuts. Many donut shops opened, selling the delicious treat to people around the country.

Out of the donut shops in the Bay Area, one local favorite stands out: Stan’s Donuts. Every morning, the sweet aroma of freshly made donuts wafts through the bakery air, enticing a long line of customers who wait outside the door for these mouthwatering treats.

Located on Homestead Road in Santa Clara, across from Central Park Library, this renowned donut destination was founded in 1959 by Stanford “Stan” Wittmayer, for whom it was named. Since its opening, the Wittmayer family has run the shop, carrying out Stanford’s legacy. Stanford’s son, Richard, continues to make donuts for the shop with his father’s donut recipes and styles.

The donuts at Stan’s taste even better than their exquisite smell. The soft, warm dough covered in a shiny glaze almost melts in your mouth. The original donuts taste best in the morning, when they are freshly prepared and warm, so they’re definitely worth waking up early for. However, this classic donut that Stan’s is known for is not the only item available. Other options include old-fashioned donuts, cinnamon rolls, donut holes, decorated cake donuts, buttermilk donuts, and more.

Stan’s Donuts is clearly a popular donut destination that you should visit next time you’re craving donuts. We think that the classic, glazed donuts from Stan’s Donuts are the best–ever since we first tried them, we can never go back to another bakery. For our families, getting donuts from Stan’s early on a Sunday morning has become a tradition. Whether you have a strong desire for something sweet or are seeking to start your day on a positive note, be sure to drop by Stan’s Donuts in the morning!