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The Donut Shop, a north-side Indianapolis business known for selling 33 varieties of doughnuts beneath a distinctive orange awning, has closed permanently following the death of the restaurant’s owner.
Romeo Reyes died in late September of pancreatic cancer. According to a message posted online Oct. 23, Reyes’ family “decided to close the business and move on.”
The message included a thank you to customers who visited the cash-only diner during the past 37 years.
Reyes became owner of a Mister Donut franchise at 5227 N. Keystone Ave. in 1984, and he eventually launched the independent Donut Shop Bakery and Restaurant there. The business also offered a full breakfast menu.
Mister Donut, a company founded in Boston in 1955, opened its North Keystone store in 1962.
Carlo Reyes, the Donut Shop’s manager and Romeo’s son, told WRTV-TV Channel 6 that some regular customers had patronized the restaurant since the 1980s.
“For our wait staff, it was like an extended family,” Carlo Reyes said.
He said his family is seeking a buyer for property.
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I am sorry for the loss to the Reyes family. The Donut Shop was a destination for delicious donuts for my family for the last 20 years. It will be missed.
Very sorry to hear of the families loss and the end of a wonderful business. I’m sad that they weren’t able to continue on or sell the business to someone who could. I know they had a very loyal following because I’ve been going there for 30 years, By far and away the best donuts in town at very good prices, despite newer and more upscale competition (Dancing Donut, Rise and Roll, etc). Their breakfasts were also terrific and a great value. There was always a line for carry out breakfast sandwiches in the morning. My kids were raised on their donuts and I wish their kids could have been too. Maybe somebody will buy the property and restore the business in memory of the Reyes family.
+1. Donut was our family’s weekend routine for years and we have lots of good memories. Our waitress memorized our family’s drink orders and would have them ready when she saw us walk into the door. You never knew who you would run into or see there.
Can’t tell you how many times we got stoned and went there for donuts in the 70’s.
Stephen P. – kudos for one of the “highest” compliments one could pay, and for one of the most honest comments posted here in a long time :).
Condolences…but mixed use high rise is in the plan.
Lol, what?