Francis Donuts

Francis Donuts

Reviews Summary

Consensus: This donut shop is consistently praised for its fresh, delicious donuts (especially apple fritters and cake donuts) and hearty breakfast sandwiches at reasonable prices. The friendly, welcoming service (often mentioning specific staff) creates a warm neighborhood vibe. While most reviews are glowing 5-star ratings, a few note minor drawbacks like average coffee or unexpected sandwich ingredients. Customers frequently return, highlighting the shop as a reliable favorite for quality treats and cheerful service. Cash-only policy is mentioned. Spanish-speaking patrons also leave positive feedback.

About This Listing

Who Can Visit?

Most donut shops welcome all ages—perfect for families and kids
Some locations offer sit-down areas, while others are grab-and-go
No prior ordering knowledge needed—staff can help you choose flavors
Casual dress is welcome—some shops may have outdoor seating
Allergy-friendly options may be available (ask in advance)
Group orders and celebrations welcome—pre-orders may be required

*Note: Seating, menu, and accessibility may vary by shop. Contact your local spot for details.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time guests can simply walk in and browse the display or menu. Staff are happy to offer recommendations and explain specialty flavors. Some shops even offer sample bites or combo deals for newcomers.

Common Considerations:

Allergens Some donuts may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten—always ask if unsure
Availability Popular flavors can sell out early, especially on weekends

*Note: Menus and specials may vary. Ask staff or check online for daily options.*

What to Bring

Cash or card—most donut shops accept both, but some are cashless
Phone or camera—perfect for snapping and sharing your sweet finds
Appetite! Fresh donuts are best enjoyed warm and on the spot

*Note: Payment methods and policies vary by location. Check signage or ask staff.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check store hours and peak times—early visits offer the best selection
Call ahead for large orders or special boxes
Bring friends or coworkers—sharing a dozen is half the fun
Dress casually—many shops are walk-up counters or offer outdoor seating
Leave pets at home unless it’s a pet-friendly location
Check for limited-time flavors, holidays specials, or preorder events
Set a treat budget if you’re shopping with kids
Bring a reusable bag or box if buying in bulk

*Note: Each shop may offer different experiences—check social media for updates.*

How to Get Started

Most shops accept walk-ins! For custom orders, pre-ordering is best. Ask about gift boxes or subscription options.

Other Helpful Info

Visits usually take 10–30 minutes, unless you're sitting down to enjoy
Weekends can be busier—plan ahead for quicker service
Seasonal or limited-edition donuts often rotate monthly
Some locations offer donut decorating kits or workshops
Gift cards, boxes, and party platters are often available

*Note: Features, pricing, and offerings vary by donut shop. Always check ahead.*

Contact Information

Address

4374 Thornton Ave

Fremont, California 94536

Hours

Monday 5AM-1PM
Tuesday 5AM-1PM
Wednesday 5AM-1PM
Thursday 5AM-1PM
Friday 5AM-1PM
Saturday 6AM-1PM
Sunday 6AM-1PM

Customer Reviews

The donuts here are the best I have ever had in my life. Always the perfect texture and sweetness level. Lots of options and flavors to choose from. Service is very quick and the prices are great.

Tony makes the. best. donuts. in. town. The cake donuts are light and tender, and the raised have a nice bite without being chewy. WAAAAAAY better than Lloyd's. Fantastic (and cheap!) breakfast sandwiches too. Love love love the #29 turkey, egg & cheese croissant. TRUST me on this one.

Best apple fritters! I've never been disappointed. I usually come here to get donuts for work or my nephews/nieces if it's early enough. I've never been disappointed. I last came here 2 days ago and I got an apple fritter and an old fashioned chocolate - both excellent.

My family loves the donuts here.

Nice little shop. The donuts are really good and super cheap. Not too much sugar and fluffy. Breakfast sandwiches are tasty, fresh, filling, and perfect size for the cost. I'm not a coffee person but the options looked good and prices are cheap.

Great doughnuts. not very friendly to new customers

Served delicious food, given amazing recommendations and it made my day from how kind everyone was. I would return everyday if I lived close by. Exceptional

We love this family donut store! It's been a part of our neighborhood for a long time. They're fair process and fresh donuts are just perfect. They make an amazing breakfast sandwich. We love the#28 croissant egg cheese and ham it's SO GOOD.

Needed a new regular spot for brek on my return to the Bay. Found it straight away. Delicious donuts, hefty hot sandwiches, and reasonable prices. Have visited twice in the three days since I found Francis. I'll be going again tomorrow.

Very delicious and variety donuts.

I love their croissant turkey egg and cheese sandwich! (They add mayonnaise as default so make sure to let them know if you don?t want mayonnaise) Their donuts are big and fluffy, always fresh.

Very nice folks and quick service. I was caught off guard by the mayo in my croissant sandwich (in their defense, it?s listed as an ingredient on the menu). Overall great place for donuts

This is a nice local Donut shop with other stuff like croissant sandwiches. Good place for a breakfast. Donuts are fresh in the morning. I like them. They are a bit dense for me. I like it a bit lighter. I support local stores than places like Krispy Cream etc.

Nice people, coffee is great and they have a pretty robust menu. As far as the doughnuts go, I give them about 3.25 stars. But doughnut making is almost a lost art. Tony and his fam are very nice people.

Love this small doughnut shop. Great selection and great quality! Plus, great options for breakfast sandwiches and more too! Friendly team... definitely a mom and pop operation!

So fresh and delicious ??

Good place to get some donuts and donut holes. I love trying of small family owned store. Their coffee/latte is not that great though. Might want to go to a different store if you are stopping just for coffee.

The Bagels and Donuts are fresh! Glaze is a little sweeter than other places but still very delicious! Customer service is A+

Local donut shops have a great variety of donuts and breakfast sandwiches. They also have a variety of coffee drinks and smoothies.

I came here for breakfast and ordered the donut holes and the egg croissant sandwich. The croissant was very good, and the donuts were fresh and crispy . Would recommend!

I love Francis donuts, they have a great selection of donuts. The ham and cheese croissants or real tasty too. The coffee is good too.

It's always a great visit when I'm there. I've been visiting for more than a decade!

Delicious breakfast sandwiches from the friendliest family ever! Thanks Tony and Kim for always having a smile every morning.

The food is amazing with the donuts and sandwiches!

Great local donut, pastry and sandwich shop. Friendly service. Ample parking in lot with other stops.

Very tasty donuts... Every time I get donuts from here, people ask me where I get it from. But I wished the ladies staff smiled a bit more then none.

I have been coming here for years,and Tony & kim are both great folks. The doughnuts are always fresh,and good!

Excellent place to have a coffee and conversation. Thanks

Nice neighborhood donut shop with many different varieties of donuts. Very inexpensive cash only place.

Excellent breakfast Croissant...I went with the owners recommendation and he did not steer me wrong... truly satisfied ???

Excellent service, clean, and prices are good. The donuts, croissants, and coffee are outstanding!

Excellent donut shop. With a variety of breakfast croissants meals. Three different flavors of coffee.

Good old fashion type of donuts wottons of different bagel breakfast sandwiches and great family owned business

Good local donut shop. Always has a nice cup of coffee and freshly made donut.

I've been coming here for years. The donuts are fresh and the owners are friendly.

Good selection of classic donuts and great customer service

Beautiful people run this shop. Warm and friendly like the familiar foods they serve.

Nice and good selection of pastries

My family and i love coming here we have been coming here for years the owners are really sweet and friendly??

Great croissant sandwiches, bagels & donuts! My go to place if I want a croissant sandwich.

Love this place and Tony have been our donuts guys forever!!

Best donuts in Bay Area! Great quality and prices!!

Good donuts, good breakfast sandwiches.

My son's fave char sieu (baked) bao, but they can run out.

Tasty but a little expensive. They sell coffee and little sandwiches too.

Best donuts I like the cream filled ones

My favorite donut shop in the East Bay!

Love the family atmosphere

Delicious donuts and great coffee

Best donuts and bagel sandwiches in town.

Always great and friendly service at this Starbucks

Super friendly staff especially Tony Jr

Shout out to Tony for the sample. Couldn?t ask for anything more from a donut. ??

Super friendly and delicious donuts

Great place close to home. Friendly staff

Delicious donuts! Good service!

Favorite place to get go to breakfast goodies ????

Friendly family very nice people ??????

I like to support local businesses.

Nice customers nice people and nice donuts

Amazing doughnuts at reasonable price

Awesome bagel sandwiches!

Not so great to me not that Fresh

Always and delicious donut!

I love this place it is the best

Best Donuts in Fremont.

Nice people who run it

This is my place now.

Very friendly people

Great service and food!!!!!!

(Translated by Google) Excellent in every sense of the word ?? (Original) Excelente en toda la palabra ??

(Translated by Google) Good coffee, sandwich and donuts, all very good attitude. (Original) Buen caf? sandwich y donas de todas muy buena actitud.

(Translated by Google) Whenever I go it is always closed (Original) Siempre cuando voy esta cerrado

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find donut shops near me?

Simply enter your zipcode, city, or browse the list of states and cities. We'll instantly show you the best-rated donut spots around—classic bakeries, trendy cafes, and hidden gems alike.

Are all the donut shops listed verified?

Yes! Every listing is reviewed for accuracy. We prioritize shops with real customer ratings, up-to-date menus, and consistent service.

Can I search by flavor or dietary preference?

Absolutely. Filter by popular flavors (like maple, custard, or vegan chocolate), or search for shops offering gluten-free, keto-friendly, or dairy-free options.

Do these shops offer delivery or pre-orders?

Many do! Listings include details on delivery partners, online ordering, and whether you can reserve boxes for pickup—perfect for gifts or events.

I want to send donuts as a gift. Can I do that here?

Sorry, but we don't support this yet! But we are considering adding this option!

What are “limited-time” or seasonal flavors?

These are exclusive donuts offered for holidays or specific times of year—like pumpkin spice in the fall or strawberry shortcake in summer. Check back often—they go fast!

Is this just for big cities?

Not at all. We’re expanding constantly, including small towns, roadside bakeries, and regional favorites. Sweetness knows no bounds.

What if my favorite donut shop isn’t listed?

Let us know! You can suggest a shop directly from our site. We’ll check it out and add it if it meets our standards for quality and service.