For this week’s column I didn’t go to a fancy steakhouse, a burger joint or a pizza shop. I did go somewhere that’s been around since 1966.
You couldn’t buy from them direct or at least not in the last 20 years or so, but I’ll bet you have enjoyed one of their delicious delights not even knowing where it came from. If you made a stop for gas on your way to work and ran into the convenience store to grab a cup of coffee and a donut you have most likely had a Carl’s Donut.
In 1966 Carl’s Donuts opened here in Las Vegas but over the last 20 years or so the only way to get them was through a vendor such as a convenience store, coffee shop, casino or other local businesses that bought direct for resale.
Carl’s Donuts stopped selling retail over two decades ago to focus on their wholesale business. This past week they returned to the retail market with their new Donut Shop at 3170 East Sunset Road.
Las Vegas has many donut shops around town from simple glazed and sugar to gourmet donuts named after famous Las Vegas icons. But not many say they have been serving the Las Vegas valley donuts for 52 years. I was at the official grand opening of the retail shop and was able to enjoy a great iced coffee along with a donut or two, or three. Hey, don’t judge me, they are that good.
Let’s start with my iced coffee, which was Stumptown. If you are a coffee aficionado, you are familiar with Stumptown. If you are not, try it. You’ll thank me later.
Carl’s Donuts has everything from the classics to specialty pastries. One of my favorite donuts that I had was a simple chocolate bar topped with toffee. It was so good.
There are several tables to dine in and have a coffee along with your donut. They have Free Wi-Fi, so you can work while you are enjoying a beverage and donut.
Carl’s is a family owned Las Vegas business started by Carl and Lyn Sanders. Today the company is run by the chief operating officer Amber Ramsay who is the granddaughter of Carl and Lyn.
So, if you are lucky enough to live on the east side, check out Carl’s Donuts. If you don’t live on the east side, trust me, it’s worth the drive. Bring the kids for a donut as there is nothing better than seeing the face of a child looking inside the glass case trying to decide which one they want. OK, who am I kidding, I still get that face myself trying to decide.
All the workers are very friendly and make you feel at home. Carl’s is a great place to meet up for a coffee and a sweet treat with friends. I give it 3.75 Forks out of 4.