National Donut Day —or “Doughnut”, as some spell it —falls each year on the first Friday in June. This year National Donut Day falls on June 3.
The Salvation Army established the first National Donut Day in 1938 as a fundraiser and a way to honor the memory of The Salvation Army volunteer “Donut Lassies,” who prepared and served the fried dough treat to soldiers during WWI. These volunteers were the only female nonmilitary personnel stationed on the front lines, preparing donuts inside U.S. soldiers’ steel helmets, using only hot oil and a stove.
The pastries were virtually unknown in America at the time. As soldiers, or “doughboys” returned home, their craving for the sweet treat helped create the culinary phenomenon of the donut.
National Donut Day Deals in Kansas City
Here are the local Kansas City donut shops and national chains observing the delicious holiday by offering freebies and deals to customers. All of the offers are valid at participating locations, while supplies last. Read carefully as some deals are only good on National Donut Day (June 3) while others last longer. Also, some require a purchase or the use of the company’s mobile app to redeem the offer.
We’re still scouting for deals so check back to see what else we find for National Donut Day in Kansas City.
Donut King
Local donut and pastry shop, Donut King has donuts fit for royalty (it says so on their website). They have offered National Donut Day freebies in the past, but we haven’t seen anything for this year. We’ll post it here if we do.
In the meantime, you can get a deal outside of National Donut Day during Donut King’s happy hour. Offered daily, you can get a donut and small coffee from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for only $2.
Donut King is located at 2320 Armour Road, North Kansas City, MO.
Duck Donuts
Customers will have something to quack about on National Donut Day at Duck Donuts.
Everyone visiting a store in person on June 3 gets a FREE cinnamon donut. No other purchase is necessary to take advantage of this National Donut Day freebie.
Duck Donuts is located at 12130 State Line Rd, Leawood, KS.
Dunkin’
On National Donut Day, Dunkin’ is offering guests a FREE classic donut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage, while supplies last. Classic donut favorites include Boston Kreme, Glazed, Glazed Chocolate, Jelly Filled and more.
Dunkin’s special offer to ring in the holiday is good all day on National Donut Day, Friday, June 3, at participating Dunkin’ locations, while supplies last.
Krispy Kreme
On National Donut Day, all customers can get a FREE donut of choice at participating Krispy Kreme stores.
In addition, donut lovers can take advantage of a special bonus offer this year. Get an Original Glazed dozen for just $1 with any dozen or 16-count mini purchase.
Plus, true Krispy Kreme fans show their pride with a Krispy Kreme hat for 50% off on National Doughnut Day.
You can grab this deal at one of three participating Kansas City area locations:
- Kansas City, KS – 7648 State Avenue
- Merriam, KS – 8805 Shawnee Mission Parkway
- Overland Park, KS – 10390 Metcalf Avenue
Lamar’s Donuts
Enjoy a FREE Glazed Donut at LaMar’s on National Donut Day. Plus, on June 3, the donut shop is also giving away a FREE LaMar’s Donut Day t-shirt to a few lucky customers. In addition, 10 lucky customers at each location will have the chance to win FREE donuts each month for a year. Follow them on social media for more information.
This franchise favorite has its roots in Kansas City, Mo., where Ray Lamar opened the first location in 1960. According to Lamar’s web site, locals flocked to the location in a converted gas station on Linwood Boulevard and the donuts became a Kansas City institution. In 1990, Ray and his wife, Shannon, decided to franchise and there are now 25 locations in five states. Nine of these locations are here in the metro.
Local Kansas City Donut Shoppes
With so many local donut shops and bakeries popping up, check local shops for more possible freebies and deals on the sweet day.
Donutology – Kansas City, MO (Westport)
Doughboy Donuts – Raytown, MO
Johnny’s Donuts – Kansas City, MO
Hana’s Donuts – Kansas City, KS
Holt’s Donuts – Grandview, MO
Ridgewood Donuts – Kansas City, MO
Donutology in Westport closed months ago
Mandy – Thanks for reading KOTC. I spoke with one of the Donutology staff members and confirmed they are still in business. It looks like they have been pretty active promoting stuff on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/DonutologyKC/posts/?ref=page_internal. Go check them out!