- Attraction: Big “O” Donuts
- Location: 829 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Industry: Donut Shop
- Website: Facebook Page
Over five decades of sweet history lives at a beloved Tennessee donut shop where college students, locals, and travelers converge for oversized pastries and a cult-favorite gravy that has nothing to do with biscuits and everything to do with pure indulgence.
Big O Donuts has been a Cookeville institution since opening its doors in 1973, becoming one of those rare places where generations of families have shared the same booth and debated which flavor reigns supreme.
What started as a 24-hour haven for Tennessee Tech students has evolved into a daytime destination that still commands loyal followers willing to drive from neighboring cities just to get their fix.
The shop’s current location on East Spring Street showcases wall-to-wall cases brimming with fresh-baked selections that rotate daily, offering everything from timeless classics to seasonal surprises you won’t find anywhere else.
Donut Highlights You Can’t Miss
The Glazed Donuts: Dense and substantial, these aren’t your typical airy rings. You’ll find them heavier and more satisfying than chain alternatives, with a glossy exterior that catches the light.
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Keep Exploring →The chocolate glazed version takes things up a notch and delivers rich flavor that stands out even among specialty shops in Middle Tennessee.
Apple Fritters: Prepare yourself for something massive. These fritters arrive the size of small cakes, packed with real apple chunks and finished with a sweet glaze that pools in all the right places.
They’re substantial enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. The apple crumb variation offers a different textural experience with its crunchy topping providing contrast against the tender interior.
Blueberry Cake Donuts: Here’s where Big O really shines. The blueberry cake donut tastes remarkably like a fried blueberry muffin, with actual fruit flavor coming through rather than artificial sweetness.
The cake varieties maintain excellent moisture while delivering that satisfying density that makes each bite feel worthwhile.
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Discover MoreFilled Specialties: The raspberry powder donuts pack generous amounts of filling that reaches all the way to the center, avoiding that disappointing hollow-bite situation.
You’ll also discover peanut butter and jelly combinations, red velvet creations, and strawberry shortcake varieties depending on what’s fresh that day. Each filled donut delivers on its promise with real ingredients you can actually taste.
The Cinnamon Offerings: Both the cinnamon rolls and cinnamon crumb donuts have dedicated followings. The rolls come out enormous and perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
The cinnamon crumb donuts provide that perfect sweet-spice balance with a texture that’s both tender and toothsome.
Monster Donuts: Big O proudly claims to be home of the Monster Donut, and they’re not exaggerating. These oversized creations push the boundaries of what constitutes a single serving, making them perfect for special occasions or just satisfying a serious sweet tooth.
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Keep Exploring →Beyond Donuts: The Breakfast Menu
Chocolate Gravy & Biscuits: This is the item that locals seek out with almost religious devotion. The made-from-scratch chocolate gravy creates a breakfast experience that’s uniquely Southern and completely addictive.
Poured over fluffy biscuits, it’s sweet without being cloying and has converted countless skeptics into believers. The regular country gravy option holds its own for those preferring savory.
Breakfast Sandwiches & Biscuits: Fresh, hot, and substantial describes the breakfast sandwich game here. You can customize with your choice of ham, sausage, bacon, or the popular pork tenderloin option.
The biscuits themselves deliver excellent texture that’s both tender and sturdy enough to hold generous portions of eggs and meat. The jalapeño bagel sandwich option adds a spicy kick that wakes up your morning.
Egg & Meat Combinations: Whether you prefer a simple egg biscuit or want to load it up with cheese and meat, the breakfast options cover all the bases. Each sandwich arrives steaming and made-to-order, ensuring you get the freshest possible start to your day.
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Discover MoreThe Coffee & Beverage Scene
Specialty Coffee Drinks: You’ll find lattes and macchiatos that compete favorably with national coffee chains, often at better prices.
The iced coffee, frozen coffee variations, and chocolate frappes provide caffeinated relief in various forms. For something warming, the regular drip coffee pairs perfectly with whatever donut catches your eye.
Cold Options: Fruit smoothies and various iced beverages round out the drink menu, giving you alternatives when you need something refreshing alongside your sugar fix. The selection changes seasonally to incorporate fresh flavors.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Nostalgic Interior: Step inside and you’re greeted by a classic donut shop aesthetic that hasn’t tried to modernize itself out of existence.
The atmosphere reads as old-school in the best way, complete with display cases running along the walls and that unmistakable smell of fresh frying dough. The vintage touches create an authentic experience that feels genuine rather than manufactured.
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Keep Exploring →The Diner Feel: There’s a comfortable, lived-in quality to the space that makes you want to linger over coffee. It’s unpretentious and functional, focused more on the food than fancy decor.
The setup allows you to see the full selection spread out before you, making your decision both easier and harder at the same time.
Clean & Well-Kept: The shop maintains high standards throughout, with surfaces kept spotless even during busy periods. You’ll notice the attention to detail in every corner, from the dining area to the facilities.
Practical Considerations
Size Matters: The donuts here run noticeably larger than what you’ll find at many competitors. This affects both satisfaction levels and value perception, as you’re genuinely getting more donut for your dollar. A single specialty filled donut costs around $2.59, while a basic donut runs about $1.09.
Pricing & Value: The cost lands in the affordable-to-moderate range, especially considering the generous portions.
A dozen filled and specialty donuts costs around $24, while basic selections come in lower. When you factor in the size and quality, the pricing feels fair and competitive with other local shops.
Timing Your Visit: The shop operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Early morning visits guarantee the warmest, freshest selections when everything has just come out of the fryer. The earlier you arrive, the more complete the selection, though they continue baking throughout the day.
Parking & Location: You’ll find convenient parking on-site, making quick stops easy whether you’re a local or just passing through. The location on East Spring Street sits about a mile and a half from Tennessee Tech’s campus, accessible and easy to find on the main road.
The Tennessee Tech Connection: While the shop has moved from its original closer-to-campus location and no longer offers round-the-clock hours, it maintains strong ties to the university community.
Students and alumni continue to make pilgrimages here, creating a steady stream of both newcomers and nostalgic returnees who remember late-night study sessions fueled by donuts and coffee.
What to Expect: This is grab-and-go friendly with takeout being the primary mode of operation, though you can enjoy your selections on-site. The shop accepts credit cards and Apple Pay, and offers free WiFi for those who want to settle in with their coffee and donuts for a bit.
The selection stays fresh throughout operating hours, so you don’t have to worry about stale options even if you arrive mid-afternoon.
Big “O” Donuts
📍 829 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
