Ye Olde Donut Shoppe has been a staple in Champaign-Urbana since 1956, offering a warm, sugary start to the day for locals. Despite changes in the community, this beloved shop has remained a constant.
Robert Cooper, the current shop and sales manager, grew up in Urbana and has fond memories of the shop’s positive influence during his youth. He recalls how his father would take him there on Sundays when he was a child.
“I remember thinking the customers who seemed like old men are probably younger than I am now,” Cooper said with a laugh.
Although Cooper wanted to leave Urbana as a young adult, he ended up in a high-stress job and eventually returned to the community seeking a simpler lifestyle. When he heard that Ye Olde Donut Shoppe was still open, he decided to join the team.
“I’ve had a lot of higher stress in my career before this, and when I moved back to town, I wanted something simpler, less stressful, and this definitely fits the bill,” Cooper said.
Throughout its 68 years of operation, the shop has undergone several changes. In the 1990s, the baker manager bought the business, later selling it to the current owner, Eric Seeds, in 2001. From 2000 to 2018, the shop did not have a physical location but continued to sell through retail stores and direct deliveries.
The shop’s current location at 1401 S. Neil St. opened in 2019, continuing the legacy of the business.
“I like the history of things, and I like things that stay around. I’m not a big fan of changes,” Cooper said.
Even with its moves, Ye Olde Donut Shoppe has built a loyal following in the community. Cooper says one of his favorite parts of the business is the connection with the people of Champaign-Urbana.
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