For longtime Montgomery County residents who still miss Montgomery Donuts, a member of the family behind the beloved local chain says there are two places that come closest to recreating the taste.
“The closest tasting donuts to MoDo’s would be from Sheetz or Wawa,” said Patrick Mayo, grandson of Montgomery Donuts founders William and Gladys Mayo. “That’s where I go when I need a good donut.”
Montgomery Donuts was a longtime staple across Montgomery County and the surrounding area, beginning with its first location in Silver Spring and eventually expanding to nine shops across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
The company, officially named Montgomery Doughnuts, began in 1946 under the name Dixie Cream Donuts before briefly operating as a Krispy Kreme franchise. The family eventually became independent after realizing it could purchase ingredients more affordably on its own and rebranded as Montgomery Doughnuts. The name was often shortened to Montgomery Donuts on signs and packaging.
The original shop was located on Georgia Ave in Silver Spring, near the current railroad overpass just north of the D.C. line. The operation eventually grew far beyond its storefronts. At its peak, Montgomery Donuts produced approximately 6,000 dozen donuts each day at its Rockville facility and supplied more than 500 retail customers throughout the region, including 7-Eleven, High’s and Marriott.
“We had 20 trucks on the road every night,” Mayo said. Mayo began working for the family business at age 12, washing trays and trucks. His father, William M. Mayo, took over operations in the 1970s and helped oversee the company during a period when Montgomery Donuts became a familiar part of everyday life for generations of area residents.
Increasing competition from bagel shops and convenience store bakeries eventually contributed to changes for the company, which was sold in 2001. Shortly afterward, a severe snowstorm caused the roof of its Rockville production facility to collapse, bringing operations to an end.
Patrick now works as a realtor in the Olney and Clarksburg areas, but the family business remains a frequent source of nostalgia. And for anyone chasing the closest thing to the Montgomery Donuts taste today, his recommendation is simple… try Sheetz or Wawa.
Interest in a potential Montgomery Donuts comeback remains strong. A couple years back, local satire website Montgomery Leek (then known as The Montgonion) placed “Montgomery Donuts Coming Back Soon” signs around the county, complete with QR codes directing people to a spoof article. The signs generated plenty of excitement, social media discussion and messages from residents hoping the local favorite was actually returning.
Unfortunately for MoDo’s fans, Montgomery Donuts is not currently making a comeback. But according to someone who grew up in the family business, a taste reminiscent of the original may only require a trip to Sheetz or Wawa.
