Stan’s Donuts. Photo by Marlene Steinberg.
Written by Marlene Steinberg. A portion of this article was previously posted on Roadfood.com.
Nestled in the heart of Westwood, on the corner of Broxton and Weyburn, Stan’s Donut’s has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1963. Stan Berman found his perfect location catty corner from the famous Westwood Village Theater. He is a third generation baker and he has perfected the donut.
Sadly, the little corner shop has closed its doors due to the Coronavirus. Owner and founder Stan Berman announced that last Thursday would “be the last day I will be making donuts.”
Stan Berman has always been such a nice man…I’ve met him outside of his shop many, many times. There is no other like him. I’m so glad that he’s not sick. That’s what I was afraid of when I read the headline. A cut above the bar, Stan put his own twist on donuts. Besides your standard glazed, raised and filled, Stan invented his iconic–and my favorite–Peanut Butter and Banana, and his Peanut Butter and Chocolate Donuts (which he named “the Huell Howser”). Stan told me they came about when one of his customers asked him if he could make her a donut with peanut butter inside of it. I thank her and I’m sure Stan does as well.
My Favorite–The Peanut Butter Banana Donut. Photo by Marlene Steinberg.
In fact, many of Stan’s donuts were named after famous people, including the late, famed UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden. (Mr. Wooden liked the blueberry cake donuts.) The donuts became so famous that Stan shipped them all across the United States, walking them over to the FedEx office himself. And No one else ever tried to copy his iconic, signature donuts.
In his farewell message, Stan said, “Unfortunately COVID-19 made the decision [to close] happen sooner, but I hope that you will remember how our donuts made you smile for many years to come.” We will, Stan. We will.
Stan’s Cherry Cheese Donut. Photo by Marlene Steinberg.
