Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: December 23rd, 2007
Randy’s Donut
Two Sundays ago I opened the Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine and my eyes nearly bugged out of my head. What I saw couldn’t be real…but there it was. a snow-capped gingerbread house version of LA’s most precious architectural little darling, Randy’s Donut’s. I ate it up with my eyes, swooned over each delicious detail and praised the creative design geniuses at Rosebud Bakery in Beverly Hills that created it.
Two weeks later I get a call from my Holiday Jubilee Show producer saying that he’s standing in front of the Rosebud Bakery in Beverly Hills and there’s a Randy’s Donut gingerbread house sitting in the window and that I simply had to see. This was it! I asked to speak to the culinary design genius that made it. Ellen, the owner of Rosebud Cakes gets on the phone graciously answers all my “How long did it take?” and “how many cake artists?” questions (two days, four people) and the next thing you know she’s says she’ll happily drive it all the way across town in holiday rush hour traffic and display it in the lobby of the Redcat theater where I was doing my show! How SWEET is that??? THANK YOU ROSEBUD CAKES!!!!
Randy’s Donuts irresistible charm, sparkling sense of humor and movie star good looks have made it Southern California’s most charming architectural icon. The land-of-the-giants scale donut billboard over a mid-century modern walk-up/drive thru combo epitomizes our over-the-top, fast food, car culture lifestyle without skipping a beat! And yes, architectural icon-wise it arguably rates right up there with the world’s greatest buildings including the Taj Majal, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. And if you don’t think I’m being serious here think again!
The unlikely legend was built in 1952. It was the second on a chain of nine and originally called The Big Do-nut Drive-in. Miraculously two of its far less famous sister stores are still standing, Kindles in Compton and Donut King in Gardena. They should’ve been called the Biggest Don-nut Drive-in because they were… and still are!
Here’s to the genius of Rosebud Bakery, Randy’s Donuts and YOU!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
December 2007
8 Comments on “Randy's Donut”
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December 23rd, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Happy Holidays, Charles!
Don’t forget the drive-thru Donut Hole in La Puente!
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php?tip_AttractionNo==8420
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
MY SWEETHEART LIKE TIMES AND PLACES AND THINGS OF THE PAST SO WE ARE INTERESTED IN ‘’SLIDE OF THE WEEK'’ AND APPRECIATE IT BEING MADE POSSIBLE FOR US TO INJOY, AND ARE EXCITED FOR THE MEMORIES,SALLY W.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:17 pm
David Bourne, Anaheim Hi class of 1957 recently published a picture book on Knott’s of 40’s - 60’s. a copy can be obtained for $25 by contacting him at Dave Bourne 30645 Mainmast Dr. Agoura, CA 91301 818-991-2479 his email is Dave Bourne saloonpiano@roadrunner.com the books are spiral bound and make excellent Christmas Presents, I knew Cecelia singer in Calico Saloon in 50’s and 60’s ( now in Heaven ) and Marilyn Hargrave a dancer who worked at Knott’s Berry Farm too, I was the six foot tall barefoot,blond can can dancer, later went to Las Vegas with the Frank Sinatra opening of the New Ziegfield Follies at the then one year old hotel “The Sands”.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Loved the “Randy’s Donut” cake article.
I grew up in Westchester and visited the Big Donut many times while I was growing up. I was born the year the landmark was built–it still makes me smile when I see it from the freeway.
Back then, the donuts came in a long white box with brown donuts on the outside. The donut centers on the box could be punched out for air. My favorites were the crumb, powdered sugar and chocolate donuts. My dad always got jelly and Mom liked the raised donuts. And no one could eat just one!
Thank you for celebrating the really cool stuff. Too many landmarks have disappeared.
By the way, I love your shows. I really hope that I can take your Disneyland Tour the next time it’s offered.
Cheers and Happy Holidays,
Joyce
December 23rd, 2007 at 7:00 pm
How delightful! Charles, wishing you a Happy Holiday! ~ Rori
December 23rd, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Okay…I love the Randy’s Donut Sculpture as much as most. It has been my Traveler’s Touchstone when after returning from long trips abroad, it would welcome me home as I passed bye returning from LAX. But really The
Eiffel Tower? The Taj Mahal? Only a city, or citizen, bereft of any meaningful archetectural heritage could claim it so.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Wonderful, as usual! All the best for the holidays!
Hillary
December 28th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Charles,like you say, when I saw this pic it made my spirit soar!! I’ve seen the real thing (in pics only) but this replica is fantastic! I live in So.Fla and we do have a few of these unique architectural props (like the giant Dan Dowd’s steak house cow which is now outside a car dealership (of all places) because Dan’s has gone out of business…the giant cow undoubtly brings attention but maybe for the wrong reasons!!!) Anyhow, I’ve always been interested in unsual architecture like yourself and LA has the market cornered with these nowadays. Unfortunately,most have been disappearing and with it the whimsical architectural spirit of America. I hope to visit LA soon and take one of your tours before it’s all gone for good!!Thanks for sharing and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!