Crispie Creme Donut Shop chosen as reader's favorite

CHILLICOTHE — In March we asked readers to vote for their favorite local donut shop. The results are in and the winner is Crispie Creme Donut Shop with over 88% of the over 380 votes.

The store has been run by four generations of the same family who started making the sweet treats back in 1929. After moving east from Kansas, stopping to open new shops along the way, the store finally settled in Chillicothe in 1952. After moving buildings, the current shop on North Bridge Street was opened in 1964.

Many in Chillicothe like to call the local Crispie Creme the "original" as it can often get confused with the Krispy Kreme franchise. While the stores are different they do share a similar history with Jack, the original Crispie Creme owner, and Krispy Kreme founder Vernon Rudolph having worked together. Despite the similar names, Crispie Creme uses a different recipe as it is an original that Jack, and future family members, never wanted to give up.

Hallie and Erin Renison currently run the store and have for close to 10 years but it is still officially owned by their dad, Mark. As the fourth generation to be a part of the store, the sisters are incredibly proud of their family history and the community that is part of the small shop.

The store has a variety of regulars that they can always count on seeing throughout the week. The sisters said that the community has been very welcoming and supportive as the business has grown and changed hands through the generations.

"We have a whole community in our corner," said Erin.

With the regulars and workers, some of whom have worked at the shop for decades, Erin and Hallie say those at the shop feel like family. While they love the close atmosphere the pair also love hearing the stories of people who have traveled from other states to try the "original" Crispie Creme donuts. Erin remembers a time when she was working at the store while in high school and an order came through for a person who wanted Crispie Creme donuts one more time before they died.

"I think we have some of the best customers," said Hallie.

The bakers in the back of the store often work to create new and exciting flavors for customers but the sisters say classic glazed donuts have and always will be a fan favorite. Personally, Erin's favorite is the blueberry cake donuts and while Hallie jokes that she likes all donuts her favorite is an orange creme-filled donut.

Next, we want to know what local place is your favorite to get a specialty alcoholic beverage. Be sure to vote for your favorite and come back next month to see a behind-the-scenes look at the winner.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Learn more about Crispie Creme Donut Shop