World's largest donut hole-shaped building: world record set in La Puente, California
LA PUENTE, California, United States--The Donut Hole, a bakery and landmark in La Puente, California is shaped like two giant donuts through which customers drive to place their orders; it's a Stucco-covered wood building, with fiberglass donuts on each end, has a 26' diameter and is 46' long, setting the world record for being the World's Largest Donut Hole-Shaped Building, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"As an example of Programmatic architecture, The Donut Hole is one of Southern California’s very best, the Los Angeles Conservancy reports.
"Designed by an unknown genius person, the shop is a wood-and-stucco one-story commercial building split into two halves with a driveway in the middle, bracketed at each end by an enormous fiberglass donut. The driveway allows customers to drive right through the center to place and pick up their orders, and the donuts obviously serve to advertise the shop’s product while delighting all who pass by."
"This store was the second of five Donut Hole locations, but the only one that actually had donuts as part of its architecture. It is perhaps no coincidence that it is the only Donut Hole that survives intact, the Los Angeles Conservancy reports.
"For obvious reasons, the Donut Hole is one of the most photographed donut shops in the country, and has appeared in a number of films. Its long life and central place in La Puente’s commercial environment are a testament to its sweet, circular treats and the Programmatic design that honors them."
"The beauty of The Donut Hole is that you drive through not just one hole, but two," the
Roadside America reports.
"The double-dunker portal connects the outside world -- a typical store-jammed suburbia -- with a doughnut-scented tunnel sheltering the kitchen and its latest confections, arrayed on trays along interior windows, with a take-out order portal.
"We recommend buying an assortment bag of plain, glazed, and jelly-filled. And try to have patience if you find yourself stuck behind a wedding party on the driveway (named Do-Nut Blvd); newlyweds like to drive through the Hole for good luck."
It is a local tradition for newlyweds to drive through the donuts; some cite good luck as the reason, while others credit the sexual symbolism.
The building has been struck by cars several times in its history, most recently in 2004 when an out-of-control car crashed through one of the donut facades.
The building was featured in the movie Moving Violations where Chief Fromm's car was bashed.
Reviews from Trip Advisor
"I ordered a Ham & Cheese croissant and a Bear Claw and both were delicious. The best part is that the sweet treats are not over done with sugar so they taste perfect and so fresh. Nostalgia at it's finest.
"What a clever idea to help bring customers to your business! 5 stars for the architecture!!So happy to finally make it to the Donut Hole. Their drive thru did not disappoint."
"If you live or don’t live in La Puente, this is a must go place to eat a donut. We don’t go as often as we used to but at least once a month for sure. Kids love it!"
"This place is off the charts for "gourmet" donuts. Best yet, the prices are very reasonable. I had a blueberry cake and a Tiger Tail which were $1. The strawberry gourmet donut is indescribably delicious!!!!"
"I highly recommend this place. The filled donuts are so good. They put a lot of filling in there donuts. I love their apple fritters too!"
Know Before You Go
"It is often very crowded so try to get there later in the day when it isn’t packed, so you can take in the full experience," the Atlas Obscura reports.
Testimonials from Yelp
"Every time i go the donuts are fresh and delicious. they have such a homemade consistency. the service is great, the team here has always been so sweet. their variety of donuts rotate frequently so we always get something new. their s'mores donut was truly an experience, after ordering it, they got a blow torch to melt the marshmallow right in front of us... so cool!!!
the donuts are consistently great, delicious, doughy and light. i really love the donuts from here. definitely give them a try!! they're addicting!!"
"This is a fun place to visit and the donuts were decent. It is a little rundown, but it was fun for our son to see the giant donut and drive through. What I liked is that you didn't have to get out of your car, which is convenient.
"This place has a couple special donuts along with your standard fare. They even have a HUGE glazed that goes for like $7! It was impressive."
"I love The Donut Hole! Simple things like driving through a giant donut make me really happy! I have been here a couple of times, now. The donuts aren't fancy like some places offer, but they are good enough for me. Nice and fresh! And the staff is nice!"
The Donut Hole
Address: 15300 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744, United States
Directions: E. Amar Rd at Hacienda Blvd.
GPS: 34.0371, -117.9517
Phone: (626) 968-2912
Hours: Closed major holidays. (Call to verify)
Mon: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tue: Closed
Wed: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sun: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Cash only if you want a donut.
Service options: Drive-through · No dine-in · No delivery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonuthole68
The GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest doughnut wall was made of 1,201 doughnuts and was achieved by Jade, Chloe and Ben Milne (all UK), in St Andrews, UK, on 30 November 2019.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS also recognized the world record for the largest box of doughnuts; it is a Krispy Kreme box weighing 135 kg (297 lb 10 oz) and was produced by The Kuwait Food Co. Americana (Kuwait), in Kuwait, Kuwait, on 30 May 2009. The box was filled with 2,700 pieces of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The enlarged box was an exact replica, even down to the labels. The box was 5.9 m (19 ft 4 in) long, 4.10 m (13 ft 5 in) wide and 87 cm (2 ft 10 in) deep.
