Mello-Creme Donuts
Lima, OH
Photo courtesy Mark Hackett

Near Lima, OH is Mello-Creme Donuts, home to one of the most recognizable donut signs around. The giant threaded donut perched high above the street is enough to make anyone think about pulling over for a coffee and something sweet.

Mello-Creme has been serving the Lima area since 1946 and has become a local favorite for generations. The bakery is known for its fresh donuts, twists, and pastries, making it an early morning tradition for plenty of northwest Ohio residents.

The famous donut sign has an interesting story of its own. It originally stood in front of another donut shop before finding a new home at Mello-Creme in the early 1970s. Even better, the oversized fiberglass donut was created using a truck tire inner tube as its mold. Sometimes the best roadside signs come from a little creativity.

At one time, the giant donut actually revolved, making it even harder for passing motorists to ignore. Although it no longer spins, the classic neon still lights up the sign and keeps this roadside favorite looking much as it has for decades.

UPDATE: Mello-Creme Donuts is still serving customers today, and the famous threaded donut sign remains one of Lima's best-known roadside landmarks. 07-26

Honey Dip Donuts
Columbus, OH
Photo courtesy Sol Bermann

The HoneyDip Donuts & Diner in Columbus, OH features one of those roadside signs that's hard to drive past without taking a second look. The bright yellow ribbon logo has been welcoming hungry motorists for decades. 08-06

HoneyDip has been serving Columbus from the same Kenny Road location for more than 50 years. What started as a neighborhood donut shop has grown into a popular diner, serving fresh donuts alongside hearty breakfasts and plenty of hot coffee.

The sign is every bit as memorable as the donuts. Standing high above the parking lot, it's the kind of classic roadside marquee that catches your eye long before you reach the entrance. Good signs like this have a way of becoming local landmarks.

The diner's future was briefly uncertain in 2025 when the property was put up for sale, but a new owner stepped in and the business secured its lease, allowing HoneyDip to remain right where it has always been.

UPDATE: HoneyDip Donuts & Diner is still going strong today, and its classic roadside sign continues to welcome customers along Kenny Road. 07-26

Doughboys Donuts
Rockford, IL
Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan

Doughboys Donuts is a Rockford, IL favorite, serving up fresh donuts every day. Judging by the sign, they're a little shy about bragging on their coffee, but something tells us it pairs just fine with a warm glazed donut. 07-11

Doughboys has been a longtime stop for Rockford residents looking for fresh pastries before work. The bakery still makes its donuts from scratch each day, filling the display cases with everything from glazed twists and cake donuts to giant cinnamon rolls.

The old roadside sign has plenty of personality. It doesn't need flashing lights or a giant donut on top to get your attention. Sometimes a simple sign and the smell of fresh donuts are all it takes.

With stores on both the north and south sides of town, Doughboys has become a tradition for generations of Rockford families. It's the kind of neighborhood bakery that's getting harder to find.

UPDATE: Doughboys Donuts is still going strong today, and the classic roadside sign continues to welcome customers looking for fresh donuts and a cup of coffee. 07-26