- Attraction: Gibson’s Donuts
- Location: 760 Mt Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
- Industry: Donut Shop
- Website: Facebook Page
Forget everything you thought you knew about donuts.
At a legendary family-owned shop in Memphis, Tennessee, hot glazed donuts literally fly through the air when first-time visitors walk through the door.
Gibson’s Donuts has been serving up pillowy, handcrafted treats since 1967, and the secret to their incredible texture lies in a time-honored technique that lets the dough rise three times before hitting the fryer.
Food Network star Alton Brown has called their plain glazed donuts the best in America, and after one bite of their impossibly light, cloud-like creations, you’ll understand why this Memphis institution draws visitors from across the country.
The shop operates on original equipment from opening day, with current owner Don DeWeese carrying on traditions established nearly six decades ago.
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Keep Exploring →Whether you arrive at sunrise or swing by for a midnight sugar fix, the neon-lit storefront welcomes donut lovers with an ever-changing display of both classic favorites and creative seasonal specialties that keep regulars coming back week after week.
Must-Try Donuts
The Apple Fritter: This massive masterpiece counts as two donuts when you order by the dozen, and for good reason.
You’ll discover warm, gooey centers studded with real apple chunks, surrounded by crispy, cinnamon-spiced edges that shatter at first bite.
Even when you think you can resist, the combination of tender dough and that golden, crackling exterior makes it impossible to share.
Classic Glazed: These ethereal rings of joy practically float off the tray. The glaze forms a delicate shell that gives way to impossibly soft, yeasty dough beneath.
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Discover MoreWhen you catch one fresh from the kitchen, the warmth melts the glaze just slightly, creating puddles of sweet perfection. Celebrity chef Alton Brown declared these the finest donuts in the country, and locals swear nothing else comes close.
Maple Bacon: Sweet meets savory in this indulgent creation that features a luscious maple glaze topped with real bacon crumbles.
Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by ribbons of smoky, salty goodness cutting through the sweetness. Fair warning though—this flavor is so rich, you might find yourself craving it for weeks.
Red Velvet Cake: Moist, tender red velvet cake forms the base of this decadent donut, crowned with a thick blanket of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs.
The frosting-to-donut ratio hits the sweet spot, giving you that cheesecake-like experience with every mouthwatering bite. It’s proof that red velvet belongs on more than just layer cakes.
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Keep Exploring →New Orleans Buttermilk: This golden, glossy wonder features a distinctive buttermilk flavor and rich icing that makes you question where this donut has been your whole life.
The unique tanginess sets it apart from standard glazed varieties, offering a sophisticated twist on the breakfast classic. Locals consider this a hidden gem that deserves far more attention.
Blueberry Cake: Light yet sturdy, these cake donuts strike a perfect balance between tender crumb and satisfying structure.
Real blueberry flavor shines through without being overly sweet, making them ideal for those who want something fruity but not cloying. The texture alone makes these worth seeking out.
Cinnamon Twists & Rolls: These hand-twisted beauties pack serious cinnamon-sugar flavor into every spiral. The twists offer a playful, pull-apart experience, while the rolls deliver that classic sticky-sweet satisfaction with a generous swirl of filling throughout.
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Discover MoreBoston Cream: Fluffy donut shells burst with luscious cream filling and get topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. The filling-to-donut ratio ensures every bite includes that signature custard center, making this a standout among cream-filled options.
The Gibson’s Experience
The First-Timer Tradition: Mention it’s your first visit and prepare for a warm glazed donut to come flying across the counter toward you—literally.
This playful welcome ritual captures the fun, family atmosphere that defines Gibson’s, where you’re treated like a guest in someone’s home rather than just another customer in line.
Always Fresh: Unlike most donut shops that front-load production in the early morning hours, Gibson’s continuously makes fresh donuts throughout the day and into the night.
Whether you arrive at noon or near closing, you’ll find hot donuts coming out of the kitchen, ensuring that signature just-made quality no matter when you visit.
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Keep Exploring →The Triple-Rise Method: Every donut benefits from a special technique where the dough rises three times before frying. This creates an exceptionally light, airy texture that sets Gibson’s apart from denser, heavier alternatives.
The original equipment from 1967 still churns out these handcrafted beauties, proving that some traditions deserve to be preserved.
Variety for Days: The display case showcases dozens of varieties spanning both yeast and cake donuts, plus fritters, donut holes, cinnamon rolls, and eclairs.
From Oreo-topped creations to pineapple fritters and everything in between, the rotating selection ensures there’s always something new to try alongside the beloved classics.
Atmosphere & Setting
Classic Donut Shop Vibes: Step inside and you’ll find yourself transported to a simpler era of American donut shops.
The vintage display case shows off rows of glistening donuts under glass, while the open layout lets you watch the magic happen in the kitchen. Simple booths line the windows, perfect for enjoying your treats with a cup of coffee.
The Iconic Neon Sign: That glowing neon beacon never goes dark, guiding late-night donut seekers to their destination. The retro signage adds serious curb appeal and serves as a Memphis landmark that looks especially spectacular after sunset.
Bustling but Efficient: Lines often stretch out the door, especially on weekends and holidays, but don’t let that deter you.
The operation runs like a well-oiled machine, with efficient service that keeps things moving rapidly. Most visits clock in under five minutes from line to departure, even during peak times.
Family-Friendly Energy: The atmosphere buzzes with families, couples, police officers on break, and tourists all mingling together over shared donut love. Laughter and friendly banter between workers create a lively, welcoming environment where kids feel just as comfortable as adults.
Good to Know
Unbeatable Value: At around a dollar or two per donut, you’ll get exceptional quality without breaking the bank.
A dozen assorted donuts typically runs under twelve dollars, making it easy to sample multiple flavors or feed a crowd without overspending. The balance between price and quality is genuinely rare in today’s market.
Hours of Operation: Gibson’s opens at 5 AM and stays open until midnight, seven days a week. While no longer operating 24/7, the extended hours still accommodate early risers and night owls alike. Just note that selection dwindles as closing time approaches, so arrive earlier for the full variety.
Parking Situation: You’ll find a parking lot on site, which fills up quickly during busy periods but turns over fast given the quick service. The convenient location on Mt Moriah Road makes it an easy stop whether you’re exploring Memphis or just passing through.
Pre-Ordering Available: Planning a party or office event? You can pre-order larger quantities to ensure you get exactly what you want. Long johns count as two donuts when ordering by the dozen, so plan accordingly.
Celebrity Endorsement: When Food Network’s Alton Brown isn’t just praising but actively seeking out your donuts—even having fans bring them backstage at his shows—you know you’ve achieved something special.
His repeated declarations that Gibson’s makes the best donuts in America have put this Memphis gem on the national map.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning between 7-9 AM offers the largest selection and freshest options, though the constant production means you’ll find quality donuts throughout operating hours. Late-night visits have their own charm, even if fewer varieties remain.
Gibson’s Donuts
📍 760 Mt Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
