National Donut Day begs the question: What happened to the Lamar’s on North Rock Road?
Today is National Donut Day, and some Wichitans are noticing that a major player is missing this year.
The Lamar’s donut store that opened at 3130 N. Rock Road in late 2008 is closed and has been since February. But it’s not closed for good.
Those who drive past the store will notice construction equipment and fences everywhere, especially in front of and to the north of the strip center that Lamar’s has called home for 15 years.
Store manager Nathan Metsinger said that the Lamar’s shop is undergoing a major renovation that will not only give it more space but will also include the addition of a drive-through. It’ll be Wichita’s first Lamar’s drive-through.
Lamar’s got the opportunity to expand after the north one-third of the strip center where Lamar’s operates was demolished to make way for a new Valvoline store that’s now under construction. Crews were able to then add 10 feet of space to the east of the Lamar’s space, which will give the shop the ability to add a kitchen and be able to start preparing its own doughnuts on site. The doughnuts sold at the northeast store previously were always made at the Lamar’s at 10051 W. 21st St. and driven over. But demand on North Rock Road is such that it makes sense for it to have its own kitchen, Metsinger said.
“The doughnuts will now be coming straight out of the kitchen and onto the counter,” he said.
The demolition at the site also has made it possible for the shop to add a drive-through, where customers will be able to get not only doughnuts but also a full line of espresso drinks. People are often surprised by the quality of Lamar’s coffee drinks and by the diversity of its coffee menu, Metsinger said, adding that his favorite drink from the menu is the caramel macchiato.
Metsinger said he’s been told that the store should be able to reopen within 60 to 90 days, meaning the store should reopen late summer or early fall.
In the meantime, he said, customers can still get Lamar’s doughnuts at the West 21st Street store, which until 3 p.m. today is giving each customer a free glazed doughnuts in honor of National Donut Day.
