Champaign donut shop, history

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Some things never change, like the sweet recipe for an old fashioned donut from Ye Olde Donut Shoppe.

"The old fashions I used to get as a kid still taste exactly the same!" shared store manager, Robert Cooper. 

Cooper is no stranger to Ye Olde Donut Shoppe. He recalls frequent trips there with his dad every Sunday, when he would tag along for work. "I always got rewarded with Ye Olde Donut Shoppe!"

The Urbana native decided to leave his town for college and to pursue his career in a new city. Thirty years later, Cooper has made his way back to his roots. To his surprise, his childhood sweet spot was looking to hire. 

"They were looking for a manager! I came in and applied just because of my fond memories!" shared Cooper with a smile. 

It was those fond memories as a child, mixed with a splash of nostalgia and sprinkle of love, that led him back to Ye Olde Donut Shoppe. 

"People that have had our donuts, you know, 20 years ago, say how they taste the same..." said Cooper. "Our chocolate is made from real fudge. Our maple is real maple. And people really taste the difference, I think."

That homemade recipe has been at the heart of their donuts since 1956, then the shop was started by a local family.

Now, Cooper feels honored to continue serving up that same nostalgia to new kids that come in. He feels lucky to be back, every time he reaches over the counter and hands them that classic old fashioned donut.

"It's nice to know that we help create for people..." said Cooper. "The kids get so excited, just like I did when I was eight years old. It's really nice to see!"

Ye Olde Donut Shoppe is open from 6am to 1pm. 

Copyright 2025. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.Â