- Attraction: Richy Kreme Donuts
- Location: 2601 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
- Industry: Donut Shop
- Website: Facebook Page
Standing on the same spot since 1948, Richy Kreme Donuts represents something increasingly rare in modern America: a handmade donut shop that never compromised on quality or tradition.
Founded by Marion Richardson at the exact location where it operates today, this Maryville institution has perfected its craft over more than seven decades.
You’ll taste the difference the moment you bite into one of their pillowy-soft creations—each donut is still made by hand, one at a time, using the same time-tested recipe that kept locals coming back generation after generation.
Walking into Richy Kreme feels like stepping into Tennessee’s sweet past, but what keeps the shop thriving isn’t nostalgia—it’s exceptional donuts that make even chain competitors seem lackluster by comparison.
The shop’s reputation has grown so strong that visitors regularly make special trips from Knoxville and beyond, often declaring these the finest donuts they’ve ever tasted.
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Keep Exploring →Signature Donuts You Can’t Miss
The Cream-Filled Varieties: These aren’t your average filled donuts. Richy Kreme’s signature cream filling is what legends are made of—smooth, rich, and generously portioned without being overwhelming.
The bavarian cream chocolate combines this luscious filling with chocolate buttercream icing, creating layers of decadent flavor that satisfy any chocolate craving.
Their strawberries and cream option pairs sweet berry notes with that signature buttercream, offering a lighter but equally indulgent experience.
The Famous Cronut: This hybrid marvel combines the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the sweetness of a donut, all glazed to perfection. It’s become such a customer favorite that it’s frequently recommended as a must-try item.
The texture delivers that satisfying croissant crispness on the outside while maintaining a tender, donut-like interior.
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Discover MoreClassic Glazed Perfection: The original glazed donut showcases everything Richy Kreme does right. You’ll notice the pronounced yeast flavor that sets it apart from mass-produced alternatives—this is what a real glazed donut should taste like.
The glaze itself strikes that perfect balance: sweet enough to satisfy but not so overwhelming that it masks the quality dough beneath.
Jelly-Filled Delights: Choose from raspberry, strawberry, or mixed jelly-and-cream combinations that burst with fruit flavor. The generous filling-to-dough ratio means every bite delivers that fruity sweetness you’re craving, and the jelly quality surpasses what you’ll find at typical donut chains.
Maple Bacon Magic: For those who love the sweet-and-savory combination, the maple bacon donut delivers real maple flavor topped with actual bacon pieces. It’s indulgent without being gimmicky, proving that this classic flavor pairing works beautifully when executed with quality ingredients.
The Apple Fritter: This oversized treat comes loaded with chunks of real apple and generous amounts of cinnamon, all deep-fried and finished with Richy Kreme’s signature glaze.
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Keep Exploring →The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, cinnamon-spiced interior studded with tender apple pieces—it’s like apple pie reimagined as a handheld breakfast treat.
Specialty Cake Donuts: The daily rotating cake donut flavors provide something different with each visit. These denser, old-fashioned-style donuts offer variety with specialty toppings that change regularly, giving you a reason to try something new alongside your usual favorites.
Kolaches and Cinnamon Rolls: Beyond donuts, you’ll find savory kolaches featuring cheesy smoked sausage wrapped in donut dough and topped with cheddar and jalapeños.
The cinnamon rolls feature that same quality dough swirled with cinnamon filling and covered in glaze, creating a giant, shareable treat.
The Experience & Setting
Classic Bakery Atmosphere: The shop maintains that authentic, no-frills bakery feel that signals quality over flashiness. You’ll find it’s nicely decorated while keeping the focus squarely on the product.
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Discover MoreThe space accommodates customers comfortably without feeling cramped, and the display cases showcase the colorful array of donut options beautifully.
Photo-Worthy Charm: The vintage bakery aesthetic provides several great photo opportunities, making it popular with visitors who want to capture the classic American donut shop experience. The storefront itself has that timeless appeal that speaks to decades of community presence.
Handcrafted Before Your Eyes: Watching the donuts being made by hand adds to the experience. This isn’t an automated operation—you’re witnessing skilled craft work that’s been refined over generations, with each donut receiving individual attention during creation.
Practical Considerations
Timing Your Visit: Arriving early guarantees the best selection, as this is a true bakery that closes when the day’s fresh donuts sell out.
Late morning visits around 10 AM still offer good variety, but the earlier you arrive, the more options you’ll have. This sell-out-and-close approach actually speaks to the freshness—nothing sits around getting stale.
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Keep Exploring →Reasonable Pricing: You’ll find the prices very fair, especially considering the handmade quality and generous sizing. Individual donuts range from about $2.50 to $4.00, with specialty items like fritters and honeybuns on the higher end.
Mixed dozens offer excellent value, and the quality far exceeds what you’d pay similar prices for at chain locations. The investment feels worthwhile when you taste the difference.
Parking Logistics: While street parking in front can be limited, there’s a larger parking lot behind the building that makes access much easier. Don’t let the front lot deter you—just circle around back for more convenient parking.
Perfect for Groups: Whether you’re grabbing breakfast for the family or bringing treats to the office, the mixed dozen options let you sample variety without having to choose individual donuts. The shop will customize your dozen based on preferences if you specify what you’d like or want to avoid.
Bring Cash or Card: The shop accepts credit cards, making transactions convenient regardless of how you prefer to pay.
Family-Friendly: This is absolutely a place where all ages feel welcome. Kids will love picking out colorful, frosted options, while adults appreciate the quality craftsmanship and authentic flavors.
Richy Kreme Donuts
📍 2601 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
