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Restaurant Quest: Cops and Doughnuts in Clare

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 25, 2022)

Clare, MI – While we typically focus on local restaurants, there are occasionally places that are too delightful not to include in our culinary journeys. One such place is Cops and Doughnuts in Downtown Clare. This small town in the middle of the mitten has been featured internationally since news first broke in 2016 of nine police officers coming together to save a failing bakery.

521 N. McEwan Street had been a bakery for 113 years at the time, and the officers just didn’t want to see it closed. They came together and formed a 9-way partnership, then began learning how to bake, and learning how to run a business. The idea plays off the stereotype of cops loving donuts, and the shop is full of police-related memorabilia. In addition to a variety of from-scratch donut offerings, there’s a gift shop with police-related shirts, stickers, and other items.

Guests can even pose for a mugshot, or a picture behind bars.

It’s a quintessential up north spot for those passing through or in the area visiting. And while the theme may be a big draw for folks, the quality of the donuts is what help attract repeat customers. Everything is fresh-baked in house using high quality recipes and ingredients.

There are typical glazed donuts, as well as those with frosting and/or fillings. There are also amazing cinnamon rolls and specialty treats like the pineapple upside down cake donut or Rice Krispy squares.

Cops and Doughnuts has expanded their business since their original shop. Their “headquarters” is the Clare location. Plus they’ve added “precincts,” aka full shops, in Mount Pleasant, Gaylord, and Bay City. “Substations” are located in other businesses, including Midland, Standish, Harrison, Marion, St. Johns, Alma, and Alpena.

While they are closed Christmas Day, they open back up at 5am on Monday!

Learn more about this growing and delicious business at https://copsdoughnuts.com/.

Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County (and some special ones beyond!).  This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle.  White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022.  With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal.  Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.

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