Panthers Dough Joe

Panthers Dough Joe

Reviews Summary

Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the donuts as exceptionally fresh, fluffy, and delicious, often called the best in town. Staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and providing excellent service. Many highlight the need to arrive early due to frequent sell-outs. A few mention higher prices, but most agree the quality justifies the cost. The cinnamon rolls, fritters, and coffee receive special acclaim. One critical review cited unexpectedly high pricing for apple fritters. Overall, customers enthusiastically recommend this local shop for its outstanding donuts and warm atmosphere.

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

1902 W Emory Rd

Powell, Tennessee 37849

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 6-11:30AM
Wednesday 6-11:30AM
Thursday 6-11:30AM
Friday 6-11:30AM
Saturday 6-11:30AM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

Delicious donuts and good coffee! Sour cream donut and any of the yeast donuts are incredible. Go early to get the best selection because they sometimes sell out. Everyone who works here is always super friendly and helpful!

The best donuts in town! We?ve been coming here for years now and have never been disappointed. The lemon old-fashioned donut and the blueberry donut are our favorites. Be sure to get there early so you can get exactly what you want! I?m also especially grateful for Karen and her kindness, she?s always so friendly and goes out of her way to say hi to our daughter.

Some of the best donuts in the Knoxville area. I get these for my employees every Friday and they are a big hit. I can?t remember the name of the lady who works Friday mornings, but she is super sweet and pleasure to talk with. Highly recommend!

Great donuts! Everything my girlfriend and I tried was delicious. She was a big fan of the blueberry cake and classic chocolate glazed donuts. But imo, definitely try the maple bacon and sour cream if they haven?t sold out. The staff were also super friendly and generous as well. Would definitely come back!

These are 100% the best donuts in Knoxville! We have ordered them for football games, work events, and for just a morning treat at the house. They are always fresh, and if you get there early enough you may get lucky enough to get their maple bacon ??! I?m a loyal customer, I will never buy donuts anywhere else!

Panthers Dough Joe has the best donuts in town and amazing staff. The staff is always friendly and ready to make you smile. The donuts are always fresh and delicious, the only issue I have is deciding how to fill my box each time I visit. My co-workers look forward to the days that I bring in a dozen or two. I have so many favorites. Stop by but make sure to get there early to grab your favorite donut.

Best thing to ever go in my mouth!! Has every other donut shop beat. Donuts are thick, no greasy taste!! My personal favorites are the yeast glazed and yeast cinnamon and sugar!! Yum!! Owner is amazingly polite and social. If in Powell TN it is a must do. But go early before they are all gone. ??

Who doesn't like Doughnuts?? This is THE BEST place to get donuts and coffee in Powell and all of Knoxville! The service is outstanding and it's always clean inside. Panthers Dough Joe also has THE BEST employee in Karen! Every time she greets me it puts a smile on my face! You won't be disappointed!!

Been on a hunt for fresh local donut shop and this is it! The donuts are amazing! Great costumer service.

Best donuts I?ve ever had! Karen is always so welcoming and kind. Donuts are always fresh and delicious. My daughter and I stop by almost everyday on the way to school for a donut and a Yoo-hoo (it has become a tradition), but their coffee is amazing too! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a small town vibe donut shop!

If you?re looking for a mom and pop donut shop this is the spot. You couldn?t ask for a more friendly staff you could?ve asked for a better donuts. They are a little pricey, but what do you expect for a quality donuts? These are not your Dunkin? Donuts these are fresh every single day. I promise you won?t regret it.

My husband and daughter went to get doughnuts this morning and had an amazing experience! The staff was so extremely nice to them, being very personably, and hospitable. So great to have just a genuinely amazing business in our town. My husband has raved about it since he got home. We will forsure be back!

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING better donuts than krispy cr?me by the way definitely worth the price

We love seeing Karen every week at Panthers Dough Joe! She is always so sweet to us. My girls love their Friday donuts and Karen has mastered my iced vanilla latte! Our favorite donut shop in town by far!

We love Panther's Dough-Joe! The coffee and donuts are always fresh, and the service is outstanding! Karen always takes great care of us and all the customers she serves. Best donuts in town!

We love this shop and Karen!!! My grandson and I stop atleast once a week and she?s always so friendly and awesome with all customers who come in. My hot cinnamon roll latt? she makes is HEAVEN. And your doughnuts are so fresh and flavorful.

I'm so fortunate in living close to this kind, welcoming and sweet establishment! Their donuts are always perfection and never disappointed with what I bring home that day. Even if I wasn't close, I would happily drive the distance to come back here for more!

We got a variety of different donuts and each one were so good in their own unique ways!! They were super fresh and some of the best donuts we?ve had in Knoxville so far. Thank you!

Nice people, delicious donuts. I?m especially attached to the Holland Cream. No one make a better cream. Excellent cinnamon roll though to buy one, you may eat the whole thing.

Never disappointed with the Panther Dough Joe, excellent service and excellent doughnuts. The chocolate Bavarian creme is my favorite. The office is always thrilled when I bring them in. Keep up the great work.

Panther Joe's makes the BEST donuts that I have ever had! They are so good...if you have not tried them yet, you are really missing out!

Our experience at Dough-Joe?s has been amazing both times we?ve been there, Karen has an incredible time with people and it shows in how she has taken great care of us and makes our coffee with effort and passion. The doughnuts are tasty ??

We stopped in Panther?s Dough Joe last week as we were traveling through the area. Our trip is almost over and my whole family agrees this was one of the best decisions of the trip. The lady behind the counter was so friendly and patiently chatted with us and our kids as we made our decisions. I wish I had thought to catch her name, but I didn?t. On to the donuts: I will say when we first walked in, I was Immediately let down. The donuts are so pretty, I assumed they would taste awful. You know, the kinda

These are the best tasting donuts in town! Not only are they always fresh, the service is always excellent. Definitely recommend!

Fresh delicious donuts served with a friendly smile. Wonderful to have a small business like this continuing to serve and love the Powell community.

Best donuts around. Also they have the best fritters I have had in my life. Awesome. Definitely a must try.

By far some of the best tasting donuts I think I?ve ever had before!

Love this little local donut shop in Powell!! Some of the best donuts and sweetest employees!!! Definitely a 10/10

The customer service is always so wonderful and I have never been disappointed with the products. Make sure you go early for more options! It?s so good that they sell out fast. ??

The absolute best doughnuts. Delicious coffee. Extremely friendly. Love this place!

I went here with my son, and got 6 donuts ( half of a dozen ) in a box, and an apple juice. The apple juice was priced fair. My total was $18.20. I did tip, because the gentleman was nice who served us, and I?m a tipper. When I looked at my receipt in the car, I was taken back though. For only 6 donuts, I feel like this place is way over priced. I understand the economy is different right now, but there are places that are just as good, where you can get 12 donuts, for way less, and are just as good! I hav

Friendly service and donuts were so fresh and yummy! Very reasonably priced as well!

Went to Panthers Dough Joe this morning for this first time, and they did not disappoint. The staff was very friendly and the doughnuts were great. Great place to go when trying to support a locally owned doughnut shop.

Some of the best donuts out there!!! But get there early before they sell out.

Best donuts for miles and wonderful lady working the counter is as sweet as can be.

This place is my go to for donuts and coffee! I always get amazing service and staff is so nice.

Great doughnuts, quick service - we use them a lot!

Karen was so helpful for my order! Love the donuts!

Yeast raises donuts were light and fluffy. Cake style donuts were the perfect balance of a denser texture and a delicate crumb. Lots of flavor options and prices were fair. Will definitely be back!

Karen was amazing and very helpful. Give her praise!

Best donuts our family has ever had and the customer service was exceptional. The little shop is so cozy and very clean. Thank you for making us feel welcome and for the fantastic donuts! We will for sure be regulars!

Great donuts!!! Coffee is very good also!

Great donuts and coffee. Very friendly staff.

The best doughnuts!! Made fresh each day, just like the hometown doughnuts I remember as a kid! Fast and friendly service, and we found the purple dinosaur! The iced coffee (large-dark volunteer with creamer) is top-notch, too!!! I would highly recommend this small town favorite. ??

Best doughnuts in Knoxville! Look at the size of that cinnamon roll. Yum!!

The doughnuts are a bit pricy, but they are definitely worth it! I don't know how they get them so fluffy. Dunkin's doughnuts are not even in the same ballpark. I always ask my dad if he wants one from here, and he always responds "That is a dumb question, of course I want one!" lol. Make sure to get there as early as you can though, on some days they can run out of them by 9 am. The iced coffee is good, although I'd say Dunkin' has the advantage in terms of price. Go give it a try though, you won't regret

AMAZING SERVICE!! I sent out a message for a last minute request for a surprise delivery to a business. Ryan personally reached out and was happy to help. He was quick to respond, extremely professional and friendly. He even delivered them himself. I can?t say enough about how awesome this business is. I?m blown away at the generosity and willingness to help out. I?m beyond grateful!!

The donuts are lovely and so is the staff!

The BEST donuts and the sweetest staff!

Went in one day last week for the first time. Absolutely amazing in every way.. Best Doughnuts and coffee I have ever had!! Ricki was so sweet, helpful and very gracious, you have a gem in her!! Great job!

Amazing service and the best donuts in town.

Best donuts and coffee in Knoxville, TN!

Everything here is great. The service and especially the doughnuts. Apple fritters are a favorite of mine.

Tight quarters and I wish they carried milk but other than that, perfect donuts and nice people!

Best doughnuts in Knoxville. Friendly service. Would be 5 stars but they often sell out by 8:30 am on a weekday and recently went at 10am on a Saturday and they only had a handful left. Not sure why you wouldn't want to make more doughnuts.

They tried to charge over $6 each for an apple fritter. We ordered two and it ran up over $13 for the two fritters. We took a pass and left. On their menu, nothing close to those prices.

Best in Knox. By a good bit better.

Best donuts in Knoxville. The thing lady that works in the mornings at the Powell location makes THE BEST lattes and other specialty coffees. Get there early before they sell out!

Great donuts. I have been a couple of times and they are great. Thought a little pricey at first, but not when you consider size and quality. They were awesome (my opinion).

Their donuts are really good. Staff is always friendly. They even have some gluten free choices, although to make sure they have some in store when you want call ahead

Amazing small shop 10/10 will come back!

Great little doughnut place ?? loved the variety and the price Highly recommend

I love this lil doughnut shop I really wish they were closer to me. I don't get to go there very often. They are super nice and the doughnuts are so yummy.

Great donuts...highly recommend! Go early, they sell out fast

Best customer service ever!!! The lady was so nice and friendly. Coffee was great! Didn?t try the donuts but they smelled so good!

Pretty good doughnuts, interesting little shop. I recommend them.

We were just passing through but these could be the best donuts I?ve ever had! Sooooo delish!!

Panther's Dough Joe cafe is located in the perfect community in Powell off Emory road. They open their doors every morning at 6:00 am with fresh baked doughnuts and coffee. The first time I visited Panther's Dough Joe, I had the best made from scratch doughnuts ever. Panther's Dough Joe is not your everyday coffee and doughnut shop it's a bakery with made from scratch desserts that my son can't live without each week.

Great place Really great bakery items.Friendly people and reasonably price. Would highly recommend if you want a great doughnut , apple fritter or any thing that they have. You need to go there soon.

Stopped by there this morning. The girl working there was very pleasant and helpful. The doughnuts were great, as was the coffee. Will go back again soon.

I love this place!! Great, friendly staff.

When in Powell eat with the Panthers! Incredible donuts! Service and smiles!

Great donut selection, friendly staff and ive learned if you want some don't wait to buy cuz they sell out pretty quickly.

They offer pre orders, so helpful with last minute plannig. The best part is they have 3 locations! Highly recommended to call before coming they sell out fast, but they are so worth it.

We absolutely love coming to this little gem

Cinnamon rolls are soooo delicious! Everything that we have had here is wonderful!! Experience with the staff has always been pleasant as well!

Best glazed donuts ever

Love love love these Doughnuts and coffee too!!! Never had a bad Doughnut or bad service!! I'd give it 10 stars if I could

Fantastic doughnuts! Highly recommend. Great selection. Was totally happy as were kids. Will be back!

Best donuts and service!!

Best donuts around. I love the Blueberry Cake and Cinnamon Roll. Super friendly.

Donuts were tasty. I've had better and I've had worse. The cherry fritter was very good.

Wow, fresh, soft as pillows and tasty as can be. Will be back for certain.

Excellent service, Great doughnuts, & Good Coffee. Great to have a local doughnut shop nearby.

My absolute favorite doughnut shop! I recommend it to anyone who visits

I'm not sure how a company can be profitable when they are ALWAYS CLOSED. I work across the street from this location and have NEVER seen them open... This location is a joke.

By far, the best doughnuts in the greater Knoxville area. Awesome place with awesome people!!!

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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!

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

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