The ‘most recognized donut shop in the world’ is coming to Fresno. Here’s where and when

The iconic Randy’s Donuts is planning to open three locations in Fresno — hopefully complete with a giant retro donut sign atop each one.

The Los Angeles-based donut shop is known for its appearances in TV and film. That includes a scene in “Iron Man 2” where Robert Downey Jr. noshes on a powdered donut in his Iron Man suit while perched in the middle of the 35-foot-wide donut.

The company calls itself “the most recognized donut shop in the world,” (though Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme might argue with that).

It has signed leases for two locations in Fresno and is negotiating a third, said Brett Todd, a senior vice president with real estate firm Colliers, who negotiated the lease.

The first location to open will be at the northeast corner of Palm and Bullard avenues, in the former Regency Cleaners spot behind the car wash.

The franchisee, a local, family-owned corporation Todd did not name, hopes to open that one during the first three months of 2024.

A second has signed a lease at 2369 E. Shaw Ave., near the Red Wave Inn and Maple Avenue.

A third in Fresno is being negotiated, Todd said.

“Then we’ll have the Fresno market covered and start looking more to be in Clovis, and then we’ll expand another other valley cities after they get their feet under them,” he said.

They have also leased a commissary kitchen near Highway 99 and Brawley Avenue where the donuts will be made.

The giant rooftop donut

The most popular donut is the butter crumb raised donut, topped with a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. People say it looks like the donut on the roof.

But will the Fresno locations have the giant rooftop donut the chain is famous for?

The owners hope so.

The franchisee is working with landlords and the City of Fresno to put it on as many locations as possible.