Community Corner
A Donut Duel In Bradenton?
Bradenton Donuts and Turner Donut, which have been selling the sweet treats in Bradenton since the 1960s, tend to attract loyal followings.
Separated by about 40 blocks down 14th Street West, two local donuts shops – and — have been operating since the 1960s.
Such long-lived independent donut shops are rare in a Dunkin' Donuts era.
Yet, there does not seem to be a rivalry, or “donut duel,” if you will, between the shop owners.
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But the customers?
Sometimes they're as loyal as sports fans, says Karen Bonofiglion, who sticks with Bradenton Donuts, 4616 14th St. W.
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“And some people always go to Turner,” Bonofiglion said Monday from Bradenton Donuts. “They know about Bradenton Donuts, but they say, 'I know. But I'm not switching.' ”
Perhaps donut duels are unavoidable between two shops 3 1/2 miles apart.
“Some people just don't want to change,” said Bradenton resident Corliss Emmons. “Especially the older people – 'This is just the way it is.' "
Both shops are popular for their “spudnuts,” or donuts made from potato flour instead of cake.
Turner Donut, 902 9th Ave. W., was founded in 1960 by Carl Turner. Current shop co-owner Yee Chau, who estimated she sells between 1,500 and 2,000 donuts daily, met her husband Thang in Hong Kong. They moved to Manatee County in 1988, married in 1997 and began operating the donut shop in 2003.
Bradenton Donuts, on the other hand, was founded in 1966 as a “Mr. Donut.” It is perhaps best known for its large, juicy apple fritter.
Bonofiglion and Emmons are examples of customers loyal to Bradenton Donuts. When asked if they would consider switching to Turner, both said,“No.”
Virginia Organ, 92, is uncommitted, however.
But she said every Tuesday, after she and husband Leonard finish a ballroom dancing class, they stop by Bradenton Donuts because it is close to the dance studio.
Virginia has been coming to both shops for more than 25 years.
“There's not really a difference (between the two),” Organ said.
Is a donut a donut?
Or is there more to a donut than meets the donut's eye?
You decide.
Bradenton Donuts is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Turner Donut is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 5 a.m. to noon and Sunday from 6 a.m. to noon.
