BEST DONUT | Our Story

How a tiny shop in Martin became West Tennessee's favorite donut

Best Donut started as a tiny shop near a college campus in Martin, Tennessee — no billboard, no marketing, just word of mouth and donuts worth talking about. Four locations later, people still drive 90 minutes for a box.

The little shop in Martin

A tiny space near UT Martin — the kind of place students whispered about and locals treated like a guarded secret. The name was a promise the donuts kept every morning.

Dough unlike anything from a chain

Airy and delicate in the European tradition — a world away from dense, mass-produced rings. Regulars still single out the Butter Roll and Cinnamon Roll by name.

The owner behind the counter

The owner is personally behind the counter — checking every batch, chatting with customers. One reviewer said: "It's his sense of humor and how he treats you like he has known you forever."

From one town to four

What began in Martin grew to Paris, Union City, and Lexington — each shop carrying the same hands-on spirit. When Union City reopened at a new spot, the community rallied.

Worth the drive

The real measure isn't location count — it's how far people will go to get there. In Paris, customers regularly make a 90-minute round trip just for a box.