Their crust is flaky. Fresh out of the oven, they’re warm and coated in sweetness. Donuts: America’s true sweetheart. And on June 1, the breakfast-dessert will have its own day.
Before we retreat into a list of places to snag some free, holed pastries to celebrate, here's a brief history lesson on National Donut Day: It first started in Chicago in 1938 to honor World War I’s “donut lassies,” aka women who served donuts to troops during the war.
Why serve ‘em in the first place? In 1917, the Salvation Army wanted a way to provide support to soldiers fighting in France. Two-hundred-fifty volunteers travelled and set up huts near the front lines, where, among other things, they served baked goods. Ensign Margaret and Adjutant Helen Purviance began to fry donuts in soldiers’ helmets.
Pretty rad, right?
Make sure to thank the ladies for paving your way to some free morsels as you nosh on donuts at these locations:
Fountain Square — Local bakeries will congregate at noon to serve up the best (and yes, free) donuts Cincy has to offer while raising money for the Salvation Army. Holtman’s Donuts, Servatii Pastry Shop, Busken Bakery and 14 other regional shops will be on hand. Get ‘em while they’re fresh and stick around for an afternoon of games, music and free coffee.
Dunkin' Donuts — In Greater Cincinnati, there are 45 locations of this nationwide chain. Run on Dunkin' as much as you like, but if you want a free donut, make sure you pick up a classic: Boston Kreme, glazed, chocolate and/or strawberry frosted with sprinkles.
Krispy Kreme — Any donut you want? Check. Pick up your favorite and don’t worry about the tab. Krispy Kreme will serve up free donuts as long as supplies last. There’s one in Anderson Township (7835 Beechmont Ave.).
Busken Bakery — Known for their smiling cookies and punny billboards (among other things), Busken Bakery will offer free glazed donuts in the morning until they're gone. And they’ll be at Fountain Square, too!
Tim Hortons — The offer from this Canadian staple is a bit weird, and vegetarians/vegans will need to locate another pit stop. For one day only, Tim Hortons will celebrate with a limited-time donut breakfast sandwich. The honey dip donut will act as a bun holding in the classic contents of an egg, your choice of sausage or bacon and melty cheese.
