#Throwback Thursday: The Beginnings of Top Pot Doughnuts

We take a look back at Seattle's top spot for mouthwatering, hand-crafted donuts

By Shuchi Mehta October 1, 2014

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It’s a chilly Thursday morning and as you can see, we are in the mood for donuts. Specifically, a classic sprinkles donut from the Seattle-based chain, Top Pot. This hand-forged donut mecca has 15 shops and cafes all over the greater Seattle area and recently opened one up in Dallas (talk about a change of scenery). Soon Alki Beach residents can expect one in their neighborhood, sandwiched between a Subway and a Starbucks on Alki Ave. SW.

This donut domain wasn’t always as far reaching as it is today. It started out in 2002 as a little Capitol Hill donut shop. Founders Mark and Michael Klebeck had bought an old and rusty neon sign years before that was emblazoned with the words “Top Spot.” (The sign had formerly been atop the then-shuttered Top Spot Chinese restaurant.) In an attempt to fix up the sign, the “S” fell off and hence the familiar name we have come to love was born.

The vintage “Top (S)Pot” sign that started it all.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOP POT DOUGHNUTS


Founders Mark and Michael Klebeck in front of the flagship Top Pot Store on 5th Avenue
PHOTO CREDIT: DON MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

Unlike other donut shops with their unusual flavors and shocking taste combinations (ahem, black licorice), Top Pot has always stuck with the tried and true. We think its traditional 1920s hand-forged, classically flavored donut is the perfect ratio of glaze to dough and doesn’t induce that post-donut sugar coma. And others agree: Top Pot’s classic method has consistently been ranked among the best donuts in America.

It’s also appealed to some serious VIP palates in America. In honor of October’s first Throwback Thursdsay, here’s a little remembrance from October 2010 when President Obama visited our fair city and indulged in the sugary goodness. Although he did relay some healthy words of wisdom to the crowd while relishing a good old-fashioned glazed donut: “You can’t eat these every day.”


I think it’s safe to say Mr. President liked Top Pot Doughnuts
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOP POT TWITTER FEED

 

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