The Donut Friar
The Village Shops, Gatlinburg · Since 1969
Donuts and cinnamon rolls baked before dawn in The Village courtyard — the first shop to open there, and the only original one still going, still run by the Ryan family. Go early, while the full selection is out.
The Donut Friar has made donuts and pastries in Gatlinburg's Village Shops since June 1969. It was the first shop to open in The Village and is the only original shop still operating there, still owned and run by the Ryan family. Look for the friar carrying a tray of hot donuts on the sign, and follow the smell of fresh pastries off the Parkway.
634 Parkway, #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (inside The Village Shops) · (865) 436-7306
Cake and yeast donuts, cinnamon rolls, éclairs, and coffee
Family-owned since 1969
Opens early; baked fresh before dawn
What to order
Donuts
Cake donuts and yeast donuts, glazed, iced, and filled, baked fresh every morning.
Cinnamon rolls and pastries
Warm cinnamon rolls, éclairs, and other pastries for a sweeter start.
Coffee
Hot coffee to go with your donut, or to carry with you through The Village.
The selection changes through the day, so the earlier you arrive, the more there is to choose from.
A Gatlinburg family tradition
Jim and Carolyn Ryan moved their five children to Gatlinburg in 1969 to open The Donut Friar. In the early days, the kids handed out free samples on the Parkway to bring visitors back into The Village, which then had only a handful of shops. For decades, children from nearby Pi Beta Phi Elementary lined up for a donut before school, and Jim Ryan was known for teaching them to ask politely. The family still runs the shop today, with the baking starting in the middle of the night. The friar on the sign was drawn by Gatlinburg artist Jim Gray, a family friend.
Finding The Donut Friar
The Donut Friar sits inside The Village Shops at 634 Parkway, a European-style courtyard of boutiques just off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. It's steps from Pancake Pantry and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. It opens early in the morning, and hours vary by season, so check The Donut Friar's Facebook page for current hours. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg.
Tips for your visit
Go early — the full selection is out first thing in the morning.
Grab a box for the cabin — a dozen makes an easy breakfast for the group.
Pair it with a walk — stroll The Village courtyard with your coffee.
Stop before a hike — it's a quick start before heading into the park.
More breakfast in Gatlinburg
For a sit-down breakfast, try Pancake Pantry next door, Crockett's Breakfast Camp, or Log Cabin Pancake House. For more donuts, visit Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts on East Parkway. See our guide to breakfast in Gatlinburg and all of our Gatlinburg candy shops.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Donut Friar?
Inside The Village Shops at 634 Parkway, #15, in downtown Gatlinburg, next to Pancake Pantry.
How long has The Donut Friar been open?
Since June 1969. It was the first shop in The Village and is still run by the Ryan family.
What does The Donut Friar sell?
Cake and yeast donuts, cinnamon rolls, éclairs, other pastries, and coffee.
What time does The Donut Friar open?
It opens early in the morning. Hours vary by season, so check The Donut Friar's Facebook page.
Is there seating?
It's mostly a grab-and-go shop. Enjoy your donut while you stroll The Village.
Make breakfast a short walk or drive with our Gatlinburg cabins and cabins near downtown Gatlinburg. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.