Alvin and Calvin Waters bring iconic LA doughnut chain to Buckhead.
If you’ve seen Iron Man 2, you may have noticed the giant doughnut atop the shop where Tony Stark eats a box of the sugary treats. That is Randy’s Donuts, an iconic California-based brand that’s been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. Founded in 1952, it serves fluffy desserts in a variety of flavors, from glazed and sprinkles to matcha tea and s’mores, as well as boba, specialty coffee drinks and milkshakes. But the most notable aspect is its signature 32-foot novelty rooftop sign shaped like a doughnut. That iconic piece of advertising is what first attracted the attention of twin brothers Alvin and Calvin Waters, who are bringing 10 Randy’s locations to metro Atlanta.
“This is not just a doughnut; it’s an experience,” Calvin says. “It’s been in more than 200 movies. Everybody knows the brand, but this is the first time people on the East Coast can experience the taste.”
Sold in 17 Hudson stores in the Atlanta airport, Randy’s Donuts are now available from a shipping container in the Lenox Square parking lot. There, patrons can grab a twopack and a coffee on their way to work or stay a while and enjoy the Wi-Fi and al fresco seating. Other, larger locations are in the works; rumor has it Alvin and Calvin are building a flagship location near the Chick-fil-A on Piedmont Road.
We chatted with them about how they got into the doughnut business.
What’s your background?
CW: We came from the entertainment industry. We lived in Japan for years and produced K-pop and J-pop. AW: We’re also in the fashion world, getting items into Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. [A few years ago, we partnered with the brand Keith and James to get its fedoras into stores.]
How did you learn about Randy’s?
AW: We used to live in LA. People know Randy’s the way they know the Hollywood sign.
How did you go from fashion and entertainment to doughnuts?
AW: It’s about being able to expand this landmark brand to the East Coast. CW: We know we can help grow brands, whether it’s a fashion accessory or a doughnut, if it’s recognizable and a great product. Tell us about the Lenox location.
Will it have the giant doughnut sign?
AW: We wish. Due to the city’s zoning regulations, we’re not permitted to have it. We’re scouting other locations where we can bring it. CW: We have seven flavors of doughnuts, including glazed, chocolate, maple, sprinkle, and Oreo, plus coffee, milk, water and soft drinks The other locations will be bigger and have “the full monty.”
What’s it like working together?
AW: We’ve been working together since conception. We don’t have a choice. It’s about organizational skills. We brought on our older sister, Carolyn Waters, to keep us in line. We’re more on the creative side. CW: We get into disagreements, but we grew up in a household together. We fight, but we roll up our sleeves and get it done. We trust each other. We’re not trying to sabotage each other. Business is personal [for us].
What’s your day-to-day like?
AW: We have nine employees and a 4,000-square-foot kitchen by the airport. We’re in charge of ordering supplies. We are our own testers. We make sure the product meets the criteria of what we enjoyed out in LA.
What is it about these doughnuts that you enjoy so much?
AW: After all these years of eating them, they’re still really good. Everything is handmade. Nothing is manufactured.
RANDY’S
678-649-3388
randysdonuts.com
@randysdonuts
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
