National Donut Day 2022: Where to find freebies, deals and special flavors in Rochester

Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·3 min read

Need an excuse to eat a delicious doughnut? Here you go: Friday, June 3, is National Doughnut Day.

The annual event may seem to be just another half-baked food holiday (there's at least one for every day), but there's history behind the observance. During World War I, The Salvation Army would send women bearing coffee and baked goods to areas near the front lines in France to boost the morale of the troops. In 1938, The Salvation Army honored those women by declaring the first Friday of June to be National Doughnut Day.

Several Rochester-area establishments are marking the day with deals, freebies and specials. They are available while supplies last, so it may be a good idea to visit early.

Schutt's Apple Mill

Freshly glazed doughnuts dry on a rack at Schutt's Apple Mill in Penfield
Freshly glazed doughnuts dry on a rack at Schutt's Apple Mill in Penfield

A fixture in Penfield for generations, Schutt's Apple Mill will offer one free glazed, cinnamon and sugar or plain friedcake to each of its visitors on Friday. Schutt's Apple Mill is at 1063 Plank Road in Penfield. It will open at 9 a.m.

Red Fern

Every Friday is doughnut day at The Red Fern. On National Doughnut Day, it will offer a new creation: a vegan, gluten-free peanut butter and jelly doughnut, complete with a tiny PB&J sandwich on top. It will be baked instead of fried, offering a healthier option and a doughnut that people with gluten issues can enjoy. The Red Fern is at 283 Oxford St. near Park Avenue. It will open around 11 a.m.

Ridge Donut Café

Ridge Donut Café will offer a free fried cake to each customer, with no purchase necessary. It will also release a new flavor: Its blueberry friedcake topped with a zesty lemon icing. Ridge Donut Café, at 1600 Portland Ave., will open at 6 a.m.

Tim Horton's

Customers who register for Tim's Rewards and buy a doughnut through the app or online can unlock a free doughnut. The deal is good through Sunday.

Sunny's Donuts and Café

A steady stream of customers comes and goes at Sunny's Donuts and Café, 3885 NY-104 in Williamson Friday, June 4, 2021.
A steady stream of customers comes and goes at Sunny's Donuts and Café, 3885 NY-104 in Williamson Friday, June 4, 2021.

Sunny's Donuts will offer a free doughnut with a purchase of a beverage. It will also serve two special creations: A patriotic doughnut and a maple bacon doughnut. (The maple bacon doughnut is not included in the special.) The shop, at 3885 Route 104 in Williamson, will open at 5 a.m.

From 2021: New donut shop in Williamson has lineage to iconic Rochester shop

Wegmans

All Rochester stores will be celebrating National Donut Day this year by offering an expanded variety of flavored donuts. The selection will vary from store to store.

Donuts Delite

Donuts Delite opened a new location on W. Ridge Road in Rochester on March 14, 2022. Outdoor seating is available.
Donuts Delite opened a new location on W. Ridge Road in Rochester on March 14, 2022. Outdoor seating is available.

Donuts Delite will hand out a free mini cannoli doughnut to all customers, with any purchase, while supplies last. A portion of its proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army of Rochester. Donuts Delite is at 1700 Culver Road and 674 West Ridge Road in Rochester. It opens at 6 a.m.

Food: Donuts Delite opens second location in Rochester

Dunkin' Donuts

Buy any beverage and get a free doughnut Friday.

Tracy Schuhmacher is food, drink and culture reporter for the D&C. Email her at TracyS@Gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram, or sign up for her weekly newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: National Donut Day 2022: Where to find freebies, deals in Rochester NY