It’s National Donut Day, and we’ve rounded up the top three donut shops in Chula Vista. There are so many fantastic spots around town, and we love supporting local businesses. Share your favorite donut spots with us on social media—we’re always on the lookout for new places to try. Let’s dive into the list.
3 Bonita Donuts:
Bonita Donuts has been a staple in the community for years. Recently, under new ownership, it plans to expand its offerings beyond donuts. On Saturdays, don’t miss the Dunkers & Clunkers car show, starting at 7 AM. It’s a treat to see the cars and enjoy a delicious donut.
2 Eastlake Donut Bar:
Eastlake Donut Bar is a must-visit with its enormous donuts and excellent coffee. This is our go-to spot whenever we’re in Eastlake craving a treat. The Homer donut is a fan favorite, and you can’t leave without trying the maple bars topped with bacon.
1 KD’s Donuts:
KD’s Donuts is a no-frills, classic donut shop. Arrive early because they often sell out by the afternoon. If you’re a Chula Vista local, you know the original name of this spot and the story behind the missing sign out front. It’s a true gem in the community.
Enjoy National Donut Day, and happy donut hunting!
Get ready, South Bay donut lovers! The wait is nearly over. The new Chula Vista Randy’s Donuts, the beloved Los Angeles institution, is set to open its second San Diego location on Bonita Rd. Sharing a space with Sandies Mexican Ice Cream, this new spot promises to satisfy your cravings for both sweet and savory treats.
The Legacy of Randy’s Donuts
Founded in 1952, Randy’s Donuts has become a true Hollywood icon, thanks partly to its eye-catching 33-foot giant donut sculpture that adorns the roof of its original location. The shop has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Entourage, Iron Man 2, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, and the music video for Red Hot Chili Pepper’s “Californication.”
Chula Vista Randy’s Donuts: What to Expect
The Chula Vista location, set to open June 7, will be the second San Diego outpost for Randy’s Donuts, following the successful launch of their Kearny Mesa branch in Stonecrest Plaza last May. Customers can expect an impressive array of over 60 different donut varieties, along with Randy’s Rounds (their oversized take on donut holes) and a wide selection of coffee drinks. But that’s not all – the new location will also offer Sadie’s Handcrafted Mexican Ice Cream and Sadie’s Sandwiches, which feature fresh Randy’s donuts stuffed with delicious ice cream.
Local Ties and Franchise Expansion
San Diego native Emilio Tamez, who also owns Taqueria Revolución and founded Sadie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, has secured a local franchise development deal with Randy’s Donuts. The deal includes plans for 10 stores throughout San Diego County in the coming years. The company began franchising domestically in the summer of 2019 under the leadership of Mark Kelegian, a Los Angeles-area entrepreneur and former attorney who purchased Randy’s in 2015.
Grand Opening Celebrations are set for Friday, June 7th
To celebrate its grand opening, which fortuitously falls on National Donut Day, Randy’s Donuts is offering an irresistible deal: the first 10 customers in line will receive free donuts for an entire year! Additionally, patrons who visit between 6 am and noon will be treated to a complimentary glazed donut.
Chula Vista Randy’s Donuts will be opening at the corner of 3100 Bonita Rd. This is the same location as El Pollo Grill and Starbucks.
Plan Your Visit to Chula Vista Randy’s Donuts
A word of caution for those planning to attend the opening day or visit over the weekend: the parking lot is expected to be quite busy, with limited spaces available. The parking spaces are also very tight and most cars will take up two spots so they can fit. It’s too bad since this strip mall has some other great places to enjoy. Consider parking on the street or waiting until the initial rush subsides to avoid the hassle of finding a spot.
Please mark your calendars for Friday, June 7, when Randy’s Donuts will officially open its doors at 3001 Bonita Road, Suite 200, in Chula Vista. For more information, be sure to visit randysdonuts.com. Get ready to indulge in some of Southern California’s most iconic and delectable donuts!
Are you going to brave the crowds for a free donut on Friday? Please let us know if you go and how it was. You can share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
What is happening Chula Vista? Here are my Top Three Hamburger Spots in Chula Vista to get a juicy burger.
First up, Balboa Burgers is in downtown Chula Vista. I think 80% of you agree this is the best burger in town. I love their burgers, and they also have a great beer menu. What better way to celebrate National Burger Day than with a Balboa Burger and beer.
For my number two spot, I owe it to all of you who let me know about this place. Rey TJ’s Burgers on Main Street has not been around that long and delivers a solid burger. Just look at that double-patty beast. I have a full video review coming soon, so stay tuned.
For my third pick, I’m returning to downtown Chula Vista with Tavern & Vogue. I’m surprised only a few of you recommended the Tavern. They have a delicious hamburger and those tater tots are the best. I might have to head down there tonight and get a burger.
I still need to get over to Banging Benny’s, which many of you recommended in the comments, and Caliano Pizza, which I didn’t even realize had burgers, but many of you said I needed to get out there and try them.
That’s my list. Let me know if I hit the mark or missed the target.
Hey Chula Vista! Significant changes are coming to our local Chula Vista restaurants with outdoor seating parklets. With outdoor dining permits set to expire soon, our favorite spots along Third Avenue and beyond are facing some tough decisions. As the warmer months approach, many of us love eating outdoors, so let’s dive into what’s happening and how it’s affecting our community.
A little history about the Chula Vista Parklets
In July 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Chula Vista began issuing temporary permits for businesses to expand their dining spaces outdoors. This move was a lifeline for many local eateries, allowing them to continue serving customers while following safety guidelines.
I remember sitting out front of Vogue Tavern under a canopy during the pandemic, enjoying the beautiful weather and the chance to get out and have dinner. It was a lot of fun and allowed us to return to normalcy.
Who doesn’t love to enjoy a beer on the patio at 3Punks Brewery along Third Avenue? With the warm summer nights coming up it is the best.
Chula Vista decides to remove them on September 2nd
These permits were originally set to expire on June 30th. However, the city extended the deadline to July 30th to give businesses more time. Now, the final deadline has been set for September 2nd. After this date, the city will remove any remaining outdoor patios.
Reactions from local Chula Vista restaurants and residents
Dr. Gonzalo Quintero, co-owner of Vogue Tavern and president of the Downtown Chula Vista Association, shared his disappointment. He wished for more dialogue between the city and local businesses. Dr. Quintero even started an online petition, gathering hundreds of signatures to support the continuation of outdoor dining.
Quintero mentioned they invested about $15,000 into their patio deck, which occupies three parking spots on Third Avenue. He noted that this deck has been an integral part of the restaurant for most of its five-year history. Currently, seven streetside patios are still in place along Third.
Cesar Corona, owner of Los Cuates Seafood and Bar, also expressed frustration. He recently invested in improving his outdoor space, only to learn it would need to be dismantled by the end of summer.
Today, I visited the downtown area and spoke with some customers enjoying lunch on the outdoor patios. Many of them were unaware of the changes. “Really? That is too bad. With summer coming up, I love to come out here to Third Avenue and sit outdoors enjoying a beer and pizza,” said Rebecca, a Chula Vista resident who was sitting at Groundswell Brewery with friends. “Hopefully, the city can work with them to extend the permits or even keep them.”
You know it’s a big deal when the San Diego news travels to Chula Vista to report on the outdoor patios. Here is the video from San Diego NBC 7.
Impact on Businesses
Many Chula Vista restaurants have poured significant time and money into creating these outdoor dining areas. These aren’t just makeshift setups; they were designed by architects, approved, and inspected by the city. For some, these spaces have been vital for staying afloat during challenging times.
The city explained that the parklets are affecting more businesses than they are helping, mainly due to the impact on parking. With public land in play, the city aims to ensure fair access for all downtown businesses.
With the final deadline approaching on September 2nd, businesses must decide how to adapt. Removing these outdoor spaces will likely affect customer service and operations, especially as many of us prefer to dine outside during the summer.
What do you think about the move to remove the parklets
Let’s support our local restaurants through this transition as we move forward. Please share your thoughts and experiences, and let’s work together to find solutions that keep our community vibrant and connected. Outdoor dining has become a cherished part of our lives here in Chula Vista, and with the community’s support, we can navigate these changes successfully.
