LaMar’s Donuts Brings Back the Pumpkin Spice Trio

DENVER, CO.  October 1, 2011–

LaMar’s Donuts brings back a fan favorite – the Pumpkin Spice donut and latte beginning October 1st.  Many Pumpkin Spice options are available for those who fell in love with the special flavor for the season; including, a delicious glazed Pumpkin Spice cake donut, a decadent Pumpkin Spice cake donut with cream cheese frosting, and a delicate Pumpkin Spice Latte with a low-fat option.  Consumers can find these products at any LaMar’s Donuts nationwide, available until January 2^nd 2012.

“We are offering the Pumpkin Spice trio throughout the holiday season in part because the sweet pumpkin taste in every bite (and sip) pairs perfectly with the season as a whole, and due to the overwhelming requests from our loyal customers to carry it through the new year.” said Kayde Pierce, spokesperson for LaMar’s.

Like all LaMar’s Donuts, our Pumpkin Spice donuts are produced entirely by hand every day, so no two donuts are exactly alike. Unlike mass-production donuts made elsewhere, every LaMar’s product is hand made from start to finish, beginning with hand-kneading the dough to glazing or icing each donut.

About Lamar’s Donuts
Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar in Kansas City, the first LaMar’s Donuts grew to national fame in part due to the long lines of customers that formed every morning at its door, as well as TV appearances by Ray Lamar and his gourmet donuts on NBC’s The
Tonight Show and on The Food Network, among other productions. Since franchises became available in the 1990s, LaMar’s Donuts has grown to 27 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.  LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, the New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and were chosen in the summer of 2008 as one of America’s five best donuts by AOL Cityguide. More information is at www.lamars.com.

For a Limited Time, LaMar’s Donuts Introduces the LaMar’s Donut Duo

DENVER, CO.  August 1, 2011 – On August 1, 2011, LaMar’s will be kicking off  its new limited time offer, the LaMar’s Donut Duo. For a limited time guests will receive a free LaMar’s Cold / Hot Cup with every purchase of the LaMar’s Donut Duo. The Donut Duo consists of a specialty beverage and a donut with a hole at only $4.99.

The selection of specialty beverages includes iced coffees, blended coffees and smoothies. Flavors such as mocha and caramel can be expected as part of the iced and blended coffee offerings as well as four berry and mango flavored smoothies. Guests are encouraged to check with their local stores for a listing of current flavor offerings.

The deal also features a free double walled insulated cup that keeps drinks cold or hot. The cups are clear and include a twist on lid and a blue reusable straw.

This promotion will end September 30, 2011.

LaMar’s Donuts – Famous for gourmet, artisan donuts made fresh daily, LaMar’s donuts are hand produced from start to finish, beginning with kneading of the dough to the glazing of each donut. Perfecting his original donut recipe since 1933, Ray Lamar opened the first LaMar’s Donuts in 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. Today the franchised chain has 27 stores in six states. LaMar’s has won numerous awards and was the first donut to be reviewed and acclaimed by Zagat, the world’s most trusted guide to restaurants. LaMar’s donuts are proclaimed by many as “simply a better donut.”

LaMar’s Donuts Celebrates National Donut Day With Free Donut

DENVER, CO. (May 27, 2011) – Throughout business hours on Friday, June 3, National Donut Day, LaMar’s will offer one free donut (anything with a hole) to each guest, with no purchase necessary. Guests will have the option of donating the cost of a donut, or more, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses.

National Donut Day, celebrated the first Friday of every June, dates back to 1917 when donuts were made in steel helmets to serve homesick soldiers stationed in France during World War I. While it had commemorated National Donut Day in its stores with free donuts since 2003, this year, LaMar’s wanted to reconnect the donut’s long history with community service by offering customers the opportunity to make a charitable donation. According to LaMar’s Marketing Manager Krystal Olson, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was a natural community partner because “while on a much simpler level, donuts, like wishes, bring people happiness.”

“Customer’s repeatedly tell us that a donut can brighten up their day,” Olson added. “On National Donut Day, we invite everyone to enjoy the simple pleasure of a LaMar’s donut while helping to bring hope, strength and joy to a child in our community with a life-threatening illness.”

The Ray’s Original Glazed donut is handmade fresh every morning with no preservatives. Every LaMar’s product is hand produced from start to finish, beginning with hand-kneading of the dough to the glazing of each donut. They take great care in making each and every donut a masterpiece.
LaMar’s Donuts – Perfecting his original donut recipe since 1933, Ray Lamar opened the first LaMar’s Donuts in 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. Today the franchised chain has 27 stores in six states. LaMar’s has won numerous awards and was the first donut to be reviewed and acclaimed by Zagat, the world’s most trusted guide to restaurants. LaMar’s donuts are proclaimed by many as “simply a better donut.”

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Colorado – Founded in 1983 as one of the nation’s first Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado has granted more than 3,500 wishes to eligible children throughout Colorado. Its mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The foundation finances its endeavors through corporate sponsors, foundations, service clubs, fundraisers and individual contributions.

LaMar’s Donuts Introduces a Cinnamon Crumb Donut for the 2010 Holidays

LINCOLN, Ne., (Nov. 10, 2010) – LaMar’s Donuts will introduce the Cinnamon Crumb donut next week, November 1st. The Cinnamon Crumb donut, a moist cake donut that is glazed and then rolled in cinnamon sugar and donut crumb topping, is available in select LaMar’s stores till the end of December.

“We are offering the Cinnamon Crumb donut throughout the holiday season because the sweet cinnamon taste in every bite pairs perfectly with the upcoming festivities.” said Krystal Olson, Marketing Coordinator of LaMar’s.

Like all LaMar’s Donuts, our Cinnamon Crumb donuts are produced entirely by hand, so no two donuts are exactly alike. Unlike mass-production donuts made elsewhere, every LaMar’s product is hand produced from start to finish, beginning with hand-kneading the dough to glazing or icing each donut.

In addition to the Cinnamon Crumb donut, LaMar’s Donuts is offering mini cinnamon rolls and mini apple fritters. LaMar’s is known for its melt-in-your-mouth donuts and these minis are perfect for a light breakfast or an afternoon snack. During the holidays, LaMar’s will be selling gift cards that are perfect for stocking stuffers. To sweeten the deal, LaMar’s is giving a free coffee tumbler with every gift card purchase of twenty dollars.

LaMar’s Donuts Celebrates Founder’s Birthday May 7th

LINCOLN, Ne., (May 3, 2010) – LaMar’s Donuts is celebrating their founder’s birthday on May 7th. In celebration of this special day, participating LaMar’s Donuts are giving customers, whose birthday falls on May 7th,one free dozen Ray’s Original Glazed donuts. Customers must show proof of their birthday by showing a government issued ID.

Ray LaMar began crafting handmade, artisan donuts in 1933 at the age of 17. In 1960, he opened the first LaMar’s Donuts on Linwood Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. Locals immediately flocked to try out the gourmet donuts, and LaMar’s became a Kansas City institution. Lines started forming before 6 a.m., and by closing time, more than 11,000 donuts were sold at this single location.

Visit your local LaMar’s Donuts store on May 7th to make sure your birthday is the sweetest one yet, and while you’re there, try a cup of our fresh-roasted coffee or a specialty, espresso beverage.

LaMar’s Donuts Treats Moms with Free Donut on Mother’s Day

LINCOLN, Ne., (May 3, 2010) – As a tribute to moms everywhere, LaMar’s Donuts is giving away one free donut to every mom visiting any participating LaMar’s location on Mother Day’s, May 9. 

“LaMar’s is proud to honor our nation’s mothers by offering them a special Mother’s Day treat,” said Jami Blair, Marketing Director for LaMar’s Donuts.  “This is our way of showing our gratitude and appreciation for mothers who work hard all year long.”  Mothers can choose from any of our fresh, handmade glazed or cake donuts including our new, Red Velvet Cake donut that is available through the month of May.

About LaMar’s Donuts

Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar in Kansas City, the first LaMar’s Donuts grew to national fame in part due to the long lines of customers that formed every morning at its door, as well as TV appearances by Ray Lamar and his gourmet donuts on NBC’s The Tonight Show and on The Food Network, among other productions. Since franchises became available in the 1990s, LaMar’s Donuts has grown to 28 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, the New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and were chosen in the summer of 2008 as one of America’s five best donuts by AOL Cityguide. More information is at www.lamars.com

LaMar’s Donuts Introduces a Red Velvet Cake Donut

LINCOLN, Ne., (April 30, 2010) – LaMar’s Donuts will introduce a Red Velvet Cake Donut starting tomorrow, May, 1st. 

“We were inspired to create a Red Velvet Cake donut due to the popularity of the favorite Southern dessert,” said Jami Blair, Marketing Director of LaMar’s. “If you like red velvet cake, our moist and delicious Red Velvet Cake donut is sure to be a favorite.”

Like all LaMar’s Donuts, our Red Velvet Cake donut is produced entirely by hand, so no two donuts are exactly alike. Unlike mass-production donuts made elsewhere, every LaMar’s product is hand produced from start to finish, beginning with hand-kneading the dough to glazing or icing each donut.

The Red Velvet Cake donut is available just in time for Mother’s Day. LaMar’s Donuts is giving away one free donut to every mom visiting participating locations on Mother Day’s, May 9^th. “This is our way of showing our gratitude and appreciation for mothers who work hard all year long,” said Blair.

Demand Brings Back Citrus Donuts for Spring Special

Gourmet treat first introduced in 2005 is back in LaMar’s stores for month of April

LINCOLN, Nebraska, March 31, 2009 – One of the most popular gourmet treats in the half-century history of LaMar’s Donuts is back in LaMar’s locations starting today for a limited appearance.

The Citrus Burst – a handmade, glazed donut that comes with bits of lemon and orange flavoring – will be available in select LaMar’s stores through the month of April. First offered four years ago, the specially flavored treats sold out in a number of locations during their debut in 2005.

“We first developed the Citrus Burst as a one-time, seasonal salute to spring,” said Anthony Bonelli, CEO of LaMar’s. “But customers still ask for them to this day, so we thought it a great idea to bring them back for a celebration of spring in 2009.”

Like all LaMar’s Donuts, the Citrus Burst is made from a no-preservative recipe and produced entirely by hand, so no two donuts are exactly alike. Unlike mass-production donuts made elsewhere nearly entirely by machines, every LaMar’s product is hand produced from start to finish, beginning with hand-kneading of the dough to the glazing of each donut.

About Lamar’s Donuts

Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar in Kansas City, the first LaMar’s Donuts grew to national fame in part due to the long lines of customers that formed every morning at its door, as well as TV appearances by Ray Lamar and his gourmet donuts on NBC’s The Tonight Show and on The Food Network, among other productions. Since franchises became available in the 1990s, LaMar’s Donuts has grown to 30 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, the New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and were chosen in the summer of 2008 as one of America’s five best donuts by AOL Cityguide. More information is at www.lamars.com.

LaMar’s Makes Top 50 of Modern Baking List

Gourmet donut consumption puts franchisor in elite company for second year

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – For a third consecutive year, LaMar’s Donuts has made Modern Baking magazine’s “Top 50 Largest Foodservice Bakery Operations,” a national ranking of the highest achievers among baking-related restaurant businesses.

In the 2008 list, LaMar’s comes in at number 45, the same placement as the previous year, sharing the list with such notable restaurant chains as Panera Bread Company, Einstein-Noah Bagel, Au Bon Pain and Atlanta Bread Company.

LaMar’s was recognized in the MB article as a standout for its latest financial performance. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, LaMar’s average unit- volume comparable sales rose 11.4 percent, according to CEO Anthony Bonelli.

“A lot of quick service restaurants are experiencing downturns in sales given the economy, but donuts seem to be recession proof,” the article quoted Bonelli as saying.

The Los Angeles Times reported in November that, according to research by the National Restaurant Association, nearly two out of three quick-service restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in September. In addition, 50 percent expected their sales in six months to be lower than the same period last year.

In contrast, LaMar’s has reported a growth in average unit volume comparable sales annually since 2004 by an amount ranging from 10 to 15 percent. As a privately held company, the franchisor does not publish financial reports but usually releases a financial snapshot each year to the public.

Bonelli attributed the growth to several factors: the strength of our loyal customer base, an increased focus on raising brand awareness, expansion into additional non-traditional locations, new point-of-purchase displays inside LaMar’s locations, and a revamped gourmet coffee program that has doubled sales of the beverage in a number of stores.

About Lamar’s Donuts

Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar in Kansas City, the first LaMar’s Donuts grew to national fame in part due to the long lines of customers that formed every morning at its door, as well as TV appearances by Ray Lamar and his gourmet donuts on NBC’s The Tonight Show and on The Food Network, among other productions. Since franchises became available in the 1990s, LaMar’s Donuts has grown to 30 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, the New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and were chosen in the summer of 2008 as one of America’s five best donuts by AOL Cityguide. More information is at www.lamars.com.

LaMar’s Bucks Downturn With 11.4% Increase in Sales

Gourmet donut consumption fuels double-digit growth for fourth year in a row, while almost two-thirds of fast-food restaurants report sales drops

DENVER, January 14, 2009 – Despite a souring economy that’s battering the automobile, real estate and restaurant industries, LaMar’s Donuts reported a fourth consecutive year of double-digit sales growth today.

For the company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, LaMar’s average unit-volume comparable sales rose 11.4 percent, said CEO Anthony Bonelli.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Times reported in November that, according to research by the National Restaurant Association, nearly two out of three quick-service restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in September. In addition, 50 percent expected their sales in six months to be lower than the same period last year.

“We’re more than a little pleased to see the demand for gourmet donuts and coffee withstand the economic storm so far,” Bonelli said. “Restaurant chains from Starbucks to KrispyKreme to Caribou Coffee are experiencing significant sales decreases and even closings.”

At the same time, the costs of flour, fuel and other commodities exploded in 2008, Bonelli added, “Yet we’re holding strong as more people than ever before in the company’s history are becoming LaMar’s customers.”

Bonelli attributed the growth to several factors: an increased focus on raising brand awareness, expansion into additional satellite locations, new point-of-purchase displays inside LaMar’s locations, and a revamped gourmet coffee program that has doubled sales of the beverage in a number of stores.

LaMar’s has reported a growth in average unit volume comparable sales annually since 2004 by an amount ranging from 10 to 15 percent. As a privately held company, the franchisor does not publish financial reports but usually releases a financial snapshot each year to the public.

About Lamar’s Donuts

Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar in Kansas City, the first LaMar’s Donuts grew to national fame in part due to the long lines of customers that formed every morning at its door, as well as TV appearances by Ray Lamar and his gourmet donuts on NBC’s The Tonight Show and on The Food Network, among other productions. Since franchises became available in the 1990s, LaMar’s Donuts has grown to 30 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, the New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and were chosen in the summer of 2008 as one of America’s five best donuts by AOL Cityguide. More information is at www.lamars.com.