MEMPHIS, TN — You love them and can’t get enough of them. When it comes to Gibson’s Donuts they aren’t just a Memphis favorite; they are one of Alton Brown’s favorites.
“It’s grown beyond our wildest means,” said Don DeWeese, owner of Gibson’s.
The shop was first opened in 1967 by Lowell Gibson at 750 Mount Moriah. It wasn’t until 29 years later DeWeese took over.
Open 24/7, except Christmas, DeWeese says the number of donuts sold daily is overwhelming.
With so many places to choose from, why do so many Memphians love Gibson’s?
“This is the best donut shop in the state of Tennessee,” proclaimed Terry, a regular to the store.
“I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember. The place is got a great atmosphere, great people, and the donuts are the best tasting in Memphis,” shared David, another regular.
DeWeese told us that he couldn’t pinpoint one thing that has caused the growth.
He did tell us that it’s a combination of creating a quality product at an affordable price and the help of social and traditional media coverage.
“It’s hard to keep up with the people. We are literally selling the donuts as fast as we can make them,” explained manager Britton DeWeese. “We’re having to pack them differently because you can’t pack hot donuts the same as cold donuts.”
Britton remembers going to the shop, before school, with his father.
Then eating donuts and playing video games were his only worries, now he’s managing the shop and looks forward to taking it over one day.
Britton was the one who decided to start making the donut of the month.
That has given birth to some of the unique and coveted donuts in the shop.
The bacon donut, the Oreo donut, the red velvet, and the New Orleans donut are just a few that have become regulars.
“If you give a kid a choice of eating an Eggo waffle and a donut. They are going to choose a donut every time,” said Don DeWeese with a smile.
