SANTA CLARA, CA — Randy's Donuts, the iconic Southern California chain known for its giant rooftop donut and appearances in films and television, is opening its first Bay Area location Friday in Santa Clara.
The new shop at 2595 Homestead Rd. will celebrate its grand opening from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, offering free glazed donuts during the event. The first 25 customers will also receive a Randy's hat and a half-dozen box, according to the store's social media post.
But the arrival of the Los Angeles-based chain has already stirred debate among donut lovers because it's opening directly across the street from Stan's Donut Shop, a family-owned Santa Clara institution that has served customers since 1959.
Supporters of Stan's quickly flooded Randy's social media announcement with comments pledging loyalty to the longtime local favorite, according to a report by KRON4.
"See everyone Friday morning bright and early at Stan's!! This is a Stan's town," one commenter wrote.
Another added, "Born and raised in Santa Clara since 1983. I will always go to Stan's."
Others questioned the company's decision to open across from the neighborhood favorite, while some welcomed Randy's to the Bay Area and said they were excited to try the famous donuts, KRON4 reported.
Founded in 1952 in Inglewood, Randy's Donuts became a Southern California landmark thanks to its oversized rooftop donut and appearances in movies including "Iron Man 2." The company has since expanded to dozens of locations in the U.S. and internationally, including shops in Mexico, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, according to KRON4.
Whether Bay Area residents embrace the Hollywood-famous chain or stick with the hometown favorite remains to be seen, but the opening has already ignited a friendly donut rivalry in Santa Clara.
Read the full story at KRON4.
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