Donut Man is a popular donut shop located in Glendora and known throughout LA. They recently announced opening a new location within the Grand Central Market in downtown LA. Impatient fans kept inquiring about the opening and were eventually rewarded when they opened in Grand Central Market on June 26.
Since Donut Man’s grand opening took place a couple of days ago, I felt the lines would not be as long. After I drove by Grand Central Market on Broadway, I saw people lined up on the sidewalk. Seeing the Donut Man DTLA sign from Broadway, I instantly knew that I was wrong.
Usually the market is bustling with people and crowds making their way through the aisles. It was not the case that day. While many of the vendors were onsite, very few customers were milling about. Most of the action was at Donut Man and Egg Slut.
The security staff ensured that the Grand Central Market was safe and attendees were socially distanced. Extra staff was deployed to direct people in the line for Donut Man. Many were equipped with hand sanitizer and happily provided a “squirt” into someone’s palms upon request.
I was approximately 20-25 people deep in the line. While I didn’t time it, I would say that it took about 30 minutes to get to the front of the line. Owner Jim Nakano (with mask on) cheerfully greeted fans of Donut Man and posed for photos. After hearing some of them, I was surprised to learn that many were trying Donut Man for the first time.
Their iconic strawberry filled donut occupies thousands of fan Instagram pages. Not far beyond is their tiger tail, a braided ribbon of chocolate on a donut over a foot in length. According to their menu, the peach filled donut will be available between July and August.
Why is Donut Man so popular? Owner Nakano believes that they remain busy due to the quality of the ingredients and a focus on the details. According to Nakano, the magic is in the potato flour, wet yeast and soybean shortening. And despite being a youthful 80 years in age, he still visits the shops to monitor quality.
Before the pandemic, a drive to their original location in Glendora was almost unthinkable. With LA freeways less busy, a one-way trip to their Grand Central Market location is only 40 minutes. Since I typically purchase for more than just me, my friends look forward to my return to Donut Man.
Donut Man DTLA, Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
or their original location
Donut Man, 915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740; 626.335.9111
thedonutmanca.com