 Maple Leaf Donuts
Campbell,
CA
Photo courtesy Heather David
Maple Leaf Donuts had a pretty good way of letting people know what was inside: a neon donut perched right on the roofline. It sat above the Campbell shop like an oversized sample, catching the eye before anyone got close enough to inspect the display case. That’s one way to make a morning donut run seem like a sightseeing stop. 07-08
The sign had the kind of simple idea that works especially well along a busy street. No need to read a long message from the car. There’s a donut on the roof, and there are donuts inside. Stop for a photo, pick up a coffee, and see whether a single donut is really going to be enough.
UPDATE: Maple Leaf Donuts is still serving customers on South Winchester Boulevard. The roofline donut is the star of this old photo, though its later fate needs a closer look. Another Maple Leaf Donuts in nearby San Jose had a similar neon donut, and photos of the two locations can be easy to mix up. 09-26
 Sputniks Donuts
San Jose,
CA
Photo courtesy Heather David
Sputniks Donuts sounds like a place to refuel between trips to the moon. The tall sign at this San Jose donut shop has a giant donut outline at the top, giving drivers something to spot before they reach the parking lot. Look at it from both directions, though, and the sign has another surprise: one side says “Sputniks,” while the other advertises donuts. 07-08
The shop on Foxworthy Avenue opened in 1962 as Charlie’s Donut Shop #1. After a few changes of name, it became Rolf’s Sputnik and Donut Shop in 1977. The space age name stuck around on the sign long after the business changed again. It’s a fun little puzzle for a passing traveler. Follow the Sputniks sign, then find a donut shop with a different name at the door.
 Sputniks Donuts
San Jose,
CA
Photo courtesy Heather David
There was even a food item called the Sputnik, a savory sandwich served at the shop during Rolf’s days. A donut sign, a satellite name, and something other than a glazed twist on the menu: this corner had plenty to remember. These days, the old lettering does some of the storytelling for anyone who stops to take a closer look.
UPDATE: The shop has operated as Supreme Donut since 2004, and the old Sputniks sign still stands outside. That donut at the top remains the clearest part of the message, whichever side of the sign happens to face the camera. 09-26 |
 Rolling Pin Donuts
San Bruno, CA
Photo courtesy Heather David
Rolling Pin Donuts has been filling up bellies in San Bruno since 1958. The old pole sign along San Bruno Avenue points the way, with a “Coffee Time” clock up top in case anyone needs another reason to pull over. Take a look at the painted mural on the building, too. This shop gives the camera something to do before the donuts get their turn.
Donald Rogers and his family opened Rolling Pin and ran it for more than three decades. Over the years, it became the sort of neighborhood stop that works for just about any schedule. Early morning coffee? Sure. A box to bring home after a long day? Also a fine idea. Its round the clock hours made it especially handy when the usual places had turned out the lights.
The sign has its own way of keeping watch over the street. That arrow sends hungry travelers toward the shop, while the clock offers a gentle reminder that it might be coffee time. Maybe it always is when there are fresh donuts nearby. The mural adds one more reason to linger outside before heading in to see what’s in the case.
 Rolling Pin Donuts
San Bruno, CA
Photo courtesy Heather David
Then comes the hard part: choosing what to get. The frosted and cream filled donut holes have a reputation, but a box with a few extras sounds like a sensible precaution. Nobody wants to get halfway down the road and regret leaving one behind. 05-07
UPDATE: Rolling Pin is still open, and its vintage sign remains out front. The mural is there to check out as well, so this San Bruno stop still offers the full routine: photograph the sign, admire the wall, and head inside for donuts. 09-26 |
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