Iconic House of Donuts reopened in Lakewood

By Amanda Aszman on February 7, 2013

HOUSE OF AWESOME >>>

Stuffy analysts will tell you how health care is one of the fastest-growing industries, but I hear there's an impending boom in a much tastier industry. The donut industry.

House of Donuts (HOD) in Lakewood reopened for business Jan. 27. At 6 a.m. three hundred donut lovers from near and far bombarded the triangular donut shop. It was a beautiful sight to HOD's new and second-ever owner Tom Peterson, a Lakewood native who started and ran two successful businesses in California and firmly believes in the power of donuts.

"We think there's a donut boom coming," Peterson says.

Tom and his team shut down the beloved HOD for three weeks in order to implement phase one of a three-stage plan to continue to improve the HOD legacy for all of eternity.

"HOD has been a tradition for 54 years in Lakewood," Peterson says. "It's been known for the taste and quality of donuts for many decades, yet the last five years it had lost its path due to a number of management changes and lack of vision."

But the new HOD team is back on the right donut track. Phase one included gutting the building and restoring it back to its original glory. HOD now has brand-new equipment customized for their super secret-recipe donuts. That's right. Lifelong HOD fans will be ecstatic to learn that Peterson got his hands on the original HOD recipes for quality, handmade donuts.

"That's what makes our donuts special," he says.

Of the five donuts I scarfed, er, tasted, the apple fritter was my favorite. Delightfully crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a yummy glaze - it was definitely special.

Peterson noted that in addition to the best donuts, HOD has the best team in the world. And in HOD's business philosophy, 1+1=3. That's right, 3. Obviously, they have big plans.

"We want the world to revolve around donuts," he says, adding that they hope to truly build a brand.

Phase two of HOD's three-stage plan will include adding a professional kitchen onto the back of the building and revamping the front end of HOD to allow the delivery of a café experience, complete with barista. Again, Peterson noted, best donuts, best coffee ... 1+1=3!

Phase three will include a second location for HOD.

Original owners Marilyn and Bob Cheatham opened HOD in 1959, and Peterson bought HOD from Marilyn this past December. He first noticed the "for sale" sign outside House of Donuts last summer when he was back in Lakewood. Having sold his two successful businesses and ready for his next adventure, he knew it was fate.

"This place is iconic," Peterson says, explaining that the building itself is a Lakewood landmark for four main reasons: its unique roofline, double drive-up windows, famous neon sign and multiple globe lights. 

HOD plans to become an active part of the community and host at least four big events a year on his ample land, including a car show. And of course they vow to continue to earn their place in the hearts of donut lovers.

"At the end of the day," Peterson says, "it's our main focus to make the great donuts for our loyal customers to enjoy."

HOUSE OF DONUTS, OPEN DAILY 6 A.M. TO 3 P.M. (OR LATER IF THEY HAVE UNSOLD DONUTS), 9638 GRAVELLY LAKE DR. SW, LAKEWOOD, 253.588.2647