National Doughnut Day 2023: Where to score a free doughnut in the Pensacola area today
As if you really needed an excuse to start your weekend off with a doughnut, some Pensacola fan-favorite sweet shops are offering up one-day-only freebies in honor of National Doughnut Day on June 2.
Although the holiday may sound silly, it is a long-standing tradition first celebrated in 1938 as a fundraiser held by the Chicago Salvation Army to help people during the Great Depression. It is routinely celebrated on the first Friday of June.
It was a nod to the history of the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies, who were sent to France and lived in makeshift huts near the frontlines so soldiers could come and stock up on goods and doughnuts.
Nowadays, Pensacola has plenty of locally owned independent doughnut shops. Here's a few you need to check out!
Where to score a free donut:
Maynard's Donut Co.
Where: 875 E. Nine Mile Road and 2155 W. Nine Mile Road
Maynard's Donut Co. will be celebrating in style this year with both locations offering a free glazed donut all day.
Maynard’s was purchased by new owners in 2021 who have done everything they can to expand its unique flavors of doughnuts.
The owners take joy in whipping up new flavor combinations each early morning, bringing options like Fruity Pebbles, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake and Blueberry Iced Sour Cream to the table.
Maynard’s opens new location:Maynard's Donuts & Coffee opens second shop in Pensacola. Giant donut shows the way!
Parlor Doughnuts
Where: 120 Palafox Place
Pensacola’s Parlor Doughnuts is a locally-owned franchise that specializes in a layered, croissant-like doughnut.
On Friday, it will be offering a buy one, get one free doughnut special for reward members. To join the free rewards program, simply download the Parlor Doughnuts app.
The menu boasts a variety of core menu items, in addition to seasonal specials, like this summer’s Huckleberry Honey Glaze, Cherry Cheesecake and Fruit Tart.
More on Pensacola’s Parlor:Parlor Doughnuts opens in downtown Pensacola with signature 'layered' treats
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Where: 980 N Ninth Ave. and 1730 E. Nine Mile Road
With its glaring” hot light” serving as a siren call for innocent bystanders to empty their pockets on mouthwatering glazed doughnuts, it’s only fair that Krispy Kreme gives out a few freebies once a year.
On Friday, Krispy Kreme will be giving out free glazed doughnuts all day, and offering a special $2 dozen deal when a regular priced dozen is purchased. Whether you share them, or eat them all in your car with the Krispy Kreme paper hat in tact — no judgment.
Dunkin’
Where: 1133 Airport Boulevard
This national chain with 7 Pensacola area locations is handing out a free classic doughnut with the purchase of a beverage. Doughnuts may no longer be in the company name, but they still have a multitude of flavors to choose from, including chocolate glazed cake, coconut, strawberry frosted and Bavarian Kreme.
Other local favorites:
These may not be free, but are still worth every bite, and penny.
Milton Quality Bakery
Where: 6727 Caroline St.
As the name implies, the freshly baked doughnuts are, in fact, quality. This shop has been a longtime Santa Rosa County staple for over 60 years. Whether you like your doughnuts frosted, filled or flaky, there’s a good chance Milton Quality Bakery has it.
Milton bakery reopens after storm:Missing your Milton morning donut fix? Milton Quality Bakery to reopen
Lickin Good Donuts
Where: 6675 Pine Forest Road
Lickin Good Donuts is a family-owned group of doughnut shops in the area that just opened its ninth location in Pace. Patrons love to rave about the consistent quality of doughnuts, the variety and the competitive prices.
Lickin Good Donuts opens in Pace:New family-owned doughnut shop Lickin Good Donuts opens in Pace
Breeze Donuts and Kolaches
Where: 2699 Gulf Breeze ParkwayBreeze Donuts and Kolaches opened in Gulf Breeze in 2019 offering pastries and breakfast sandwiches. There is a robust selection of doughnuts daily, ranging in the classics, such as maple, Oreo and sprinkled, to the “fancies” such as the Long John, apple fritter and chocolate twist