Donut Wheel facts for kids

Donut Wheel is a famous doughnut shop in Livermore, California. It first opened in 1958 and has been a special landmark ever since. This shop is open 24 hours a day, so you can get fresh donuts anytime! It's located right where First Street and L Street meet. This spot was even used by the City of Livermore to divide the city into four main areas for emergency services like the Fire and Police Departments.

How Donut Wheel Started

The Donut Wheel was originally opened in 1962 by a couple named Jack and Jean Weil. It was first called Jack's Donut Wheel, named after Jack. Jack and his brothers, Dave and Bill, learned how to bake when they were young. They worked for many years at a bakery in San Francisco.

Jack's brother Bill opened his own donut shop in Cupertino. Jack and Jean then moved to Campbell, where Jack worked for Bill. Later, Jack and Jean bought into the business and opened the Donut Wheel in Livermore.

The name "Donut Wheel" came from a friend who worked with Jack. He suggested the name because people often pronounced Jack's last name, Weil, like "wheel."

Early Days and Family Help

From the very beginning, Donut Wheel was open all day and night. At first, Jack and Jean had two people helping them: Jean's sister Beverly Syester and Jerry Musselman. Jack and Jean's three daughters, Marita, Jackie, and Kathy, also helped out after school and on weekends.

Jack usually worked through the night, making all the delicious donuts. Jean managed the rest of the business during the day.

Changing Hands, Lasting Legacy

Jack and Jean sold Jack's Donut Wheel in 1970. They bought another donut shop in Sacramento, California, and later opened two more shops in San Jose and Campbell. They worked in San Jose for about twenty years before selling those shops. They eventually retired in Sacramento in 1993.

The Donut Wheel in Livermore has had a few different owners over the years. However, it has always kept its original name. It's one of the few things that has stayed the same as Livermore has grown and changed.

The Building's Past

The building where Donut Wheel is located was built in 1941. It was first a Purity grocery store. The building is a cool example of Googie architecture. This style uses futuristic designs and bright signs, often seen in diners and motels from the mid-20th century.

Fun Traditions at Donut Wheel

For many years, Donut Wheel has been a popular meeting spot. People often gather there late at night or after nearby places close.

The Donut Wheel was also known for a "secret menu" idea, even before places like In-N-Out made it famous. In the late 1980s, between 3 AM and 5 AM, customers could bring their own fillings for their donuts! This special tradition didn't last long after a new baker took over.

There was only one day the Donut Wheel ever closed. That was on December 9, 1980, to honor the memory of musician John Lennon.