York County bids farewell to one of its notable figures, Charles Burnside, who passed away at the age of 78. Burnside, recognized as the founder of Maple Donuts and renowned for his outspoken support of conservative causes through billboards, breathed his last at his residence in York, as announced in his obituary.
Born in 1945 in California, Burnside’s journey led him to central Pennsylvania, where he pursued his education at both York Catholic High School and York High School. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at an early age, as he shared tales of purchasing donuts from his father’s bakery as a child, reselling them at a profit. Over time, Burnside assumed ownership of Maple Donuts, initially situated on Maple Street in York, and successfully expanded the franchise to encompass four locations across York County. Testament to his vision, Maple Donuts now stands as an establishment employing approximately 400 individuals across its retail and wholesale operations, according to Burnside’s family.
Beyond his culinary endeavors, Burnside gained recognition for his bold and often controversial advertising campaigns promoting conservative ideologies. Notably, in 1994, amidst the sensational trial of O.J. Simpson, he erected billboards advocating for the athlete’s freedom, offering free orange juice with Maple donut purchases. His political affiliations remained evident in subsequent years, with Burnside openly endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy in 2016, prominently displaying the “Make America Great Again” slogan across his storefronts. Furthermore, his stance against the NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest as part of the Black Lives Matter movement was articulated through advertisements such as “Maple Donuts takes a stand, not a knee.”
In addition to his association with Maple Donuts, Burnside’s entrepreneurial ventures extended to include ownership and management of various establishments, namely Jolly Coppersmith Restaurant, Fat Daddy’s Restaurant and Night Club, Charlie & Johnny’s Restaurant, and the American Pay Telephone Company.
Charles Burnside’s legacy leaves an indelible mark on York County, not only through his culinary contributions but also through his unwavering advocacy for conservative principles. As the community mourns his passing, his entrepreneurial spirit and impassioned convictions remain a testament to his enduring impact.