For immediate release – November
11, 2005
PDF–
Printable Version
LaMar’s Donuts Founder Ray Lamar Passes Away
Lamar founded gourmet donut chain in Kansas City in 1960
DENVER – Ray Lamar, the founder
of LaMar’s Donuts passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, at the age
of 89. Lamar opened the first LaMar’s Donuts in a converted
gas station on Linwood Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, 45 years
ago. After a wildly successful run, Lamar and his wife, Shannon,
franchised the LaMar’s Donuts brand in the early 1990s. There
are currently 28 LaMar’s Donuts locations in six states.
“Everyone at LaMar’s Donuts expresses our deepest condolences
to the Lamar family, friends and loved ones,” said Anthony
Bonelli, chief executive officer of LaMar’s Donuts. “LaMar’s
has a reputation for making the best donuts, and all of that success
can be attributed directly to Ray and his vision. He truly was the
king of donuts.”
Though always associated with LaMar’s Donuts, Ray hung up
his apron in July 2003 when he announced his retirement from the
company. Age-related health problems forced Lamar to remove himself
from his day-to-day duties. Even after his retirement, Lamar remained
an icon in Kansas City, the birthplace of LaMar’s Donuts.
###
About LaMar’s Donuts
Founded in 1960 by Ray Lamar, LaMar’s Donuts made its debut
in Kansas City. Based on the donut shop's phenomenal success and
widespread reputation, franchises began selling in the early 1990s
for bistro-style donut stores. LaMar’s now has 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 have been chosen
as best donut by newspapers nationwide. Additional information can
be found at www.lamars.com.
|
News 
