Mr. Bob’s Do-Nuts serves up sweet surprises in Marion

In February of 2020, when chatter was just beginning about a virus they were calling COVID-19, my spouse and I took a trip to Chicago. Looking back, I’m so thankful we did because it would be a year and a half before we would travel again.

During that chilly getaway, one of the many fantastic places we visited was a place called Eataly. If you’ve never been, it is a multi-story, Italian marketplace complete with dining, kitchen shopping, and groceries. In one word: delightful.

I had learned from DNA testing shortly before the trip that my mother, who was adopted as an infant, was a full 50% Italian. Calabrian, to be exact. Long suspected, this confirmation thrilled me.

You may be thinking, “What in the world does all this have to do with doughnuts?” Well.

While at Eataly, I purchased exactly one souvenir — a shirt that reads, “Italians are everywhere.” I rarely wear it, but I happened to throw it on the day we decided to try Mr. Bob’s Do-Nuts in Marion.

This was serendipitous because as soon as I stepped inside this small, narrow store on the main street of Marion, the woman behind the counter exclaimed, “I love your shirt! Dad, look at this!”

Apparently, Mr. Bob (and family) are, that’s right, Italian. The conversation that ensued was about our shared heritage (mine much more distant than his) and how he came to Marion by way of Massachusetts. What a pleasant surprise.

And just to set the record straight here once and for all: Even if I really connect with a person, I would never consider giving a good review for that reason. Honestly, they had me at banana cream, not the shirt. More about that later.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Mr. Bob’s Do-Nuts is, well, a local doughnut shop in rural western North Carolina. It’s clean and simple.

In fact, I don’t recall anything about the interior design other than the display of delicious-looking pastries that greet you as soon as you walk in the door.

You’re there for the doughnuts, after all, so their strategically and prominently displayed glass counters should be the main attraction.

THE SERVICE

I feel certain that even if you aren’t wearing attire that denotes Italian heritage, the folks here would be just as welcoming and fast as they were with us.

Seriously, this family affair is a friendly place, and they served us with a smile — both times we’ve visited.

OUR ORDER

Too much. Six of our seven (adult) children, and one daughter-in-law, were coming to visit, so of course we had to get each person their favorite. When we couldn’t decide, we got them two. And then we went back for more later in the week.

We ordered the traditional chocolate iced, maple bacon, and an Apple Ugly (think an oversized, misshapen apple fritter).

Then we ordered a bountiful assortment of filled doughnuts: lemon, blueberry, key lime, cheesecake with peaches, and my all-time, go-to favorite banana cream. My love language is banana cream anything, and I’m still thinking about this one.

THE FOOD

Nothing beats a freshly made doughnut, whether it’s filled, glazed, cake, or specialty. If you’re not a fan of doughnuts, they also sell fritters, muffins, and the like. And all of their menu items certainly rank above many local places I’ve tried in our travels.

Be aware that their menu can change, including seasonal varieties (like “Big Foot Poop,” aka chocolate-drizzled Apple Ugly, for the recent Marion festival). Make sure to either call ahead or just be surprised when you visit.

THE VERDICT

Whether you’re a doughnut connoisseur or you just get a hankering every now and again, you’ll love these. Sure, some offerings may be slightly pricier than chains like Dunkin’, but Mr. Bob’s are homemade and fresh daily. I promise it’s worth the trip and the price.

I guess Italians really are everywhere, from Massachusetts to Marion and all points in between. Mangiare!