Richy Kreme Donuts — Restaurant in Eagleton Village

Before reading on, the owner and I had a phone good phone conversation and cleared the air. The owner was very kind and understanding. I will say a positive first, their donuts are really good! However, they only make a select amount and if they run out, they don't seem to make more. Even during the morning rush 6 am through 8 am.

I've had a similar issue with Ricky Kreme in the past, but three times now, they are out of donuts by 8am. There have been plenty of times where they were well stocked, but the last two times I visited, which happened to be Fridays, there we only specialty donuts. I would expect more than enough glazed, but nothing. Their kronuts are amazing, but I'm 50/50 if they have any by 8am. The last two times, no kronuts, no glazed, no donut holes. If it was 10am or something sure, but going to work and such, stopping for a donut and coffee, maybe get a couple of dozen for my co-workers, you'd expect plenty of donuts. The first time I grabbed something else. The second time, I just walked out. This time I was tempted to walk out again, but I figured I'd get a jelly filled, even though they jelly filled are lack luster. I needed something to eat.

I understand the potential business reasons why this may be the case, you don't want a bunch of extra leftover to end up being wasted, thus wasting money. However, to have zero of the basic, simple glazed donut 3 times now... it's unacceptable.

I reached out to them to let them know of this and the owner, Dustin replied with this, "We had two people out today Chuck. That’s what happened, and I, the business owner am taking my first vacation in 3 years. I think you’re correct though, we need to part ways. Best of luck. And thanks for being a customer for us while it worked for you and us."

I'm not expecting freebies or make goods. Just some sort of acknowledgement, which I sort of got. But the tone just read like "Don't care... I'm taking a vacation."

For transparentcy, I responded to their reply with this, "I'm sorry you all were short staffed, I really am. I used to work in food service, and that sucks! I'm glad you're getting to take a vacation, you all have worked really hard on that Maryville building and the new one up in Knoxville. I just wanted the complaint to be known. I don't have many opportunities to swing by and get a donut. Friday's are my cheat days. So when I do have the chance, I just want the donuts to be stocked, especially the basics like glazed. However, due to your response, it is best to move on. I hope you enjoy your vacation and good luck."

In conclusion, they make good donuts, but if you don't get their early enough, you may not get...

I’ve heard people talk about Richy Kreme in Maryville like it’s some kind of local legend—and now I understand why. This isn’t just a donut shop; it’s a place where warmth, nostalgia, and seriously amazing food all come together.

From the moment you step in, the smell is unforgettable—freshly fried dough, sweet vanilla glaze, and that warm bakery scent that makes you feel like you’ve walked into your grandma’s kitchen on a good day.

On my first visit, I was greeted by a staff member named Sarah. She had the kindest brown eyes I’ve ever seen—no exaggeration—and such a genuine energy. She asked if it was my first time and then smiled and said, “Let’s make sure it’s a good one,” before handing me a free glazed donut, fresh from the rack.

And wow. That donut was unreal.

The outside had the slightest crisp from the glaze, just enough to give a soft crunch before giving way to the lightest, most cloudlike interior I’ve ever tasted. It literally melted in my mouth. The glaze wasn’t too sweet—it was just right. You could tell this wasn’t mass-produced; it was made with care and tradition.

The rest of the staff were just as friendly, keeping up with a steady flow of regulars and newcomers alike. Everyone seemed to know each other. There’s a warmth in the service here that you just don’t find in most places anymore. It feels like home, even if you’re just passing through.

I ended up staying longer than I planned, sipping coffee and watching the rhythm of the place—cops on break, couples stopping in, kids with their grandparents. It’s a small-town slice of Americana, but real, not staged.

If you’re ever in or around Maryville and don’t stop by Richy Kreme, you’re missing something special. And if you see Sarah, tell her thank you for making a stranger feel...

Update: You can tell a lot about a business by how they manage a problem. I heard from the owner of the shop about my review. Have to say the level of effort he took to reach out, understand my concerns, and share with me how important his customers are made me update my review. Things happen but great businesses thrive because of their commitment to service. Will be giving it another go!

Moved to the area in Dec and waited until my second visit to review as wanted to be sure I was fair.

Donuts: 4 stars and are good. They focus on a lot of toppings which can detract from taste but their basic glazed is solid.

Kolaches: 3 star but are a bit small and usually cold. We bought them for a drive and when we asked is they were hot the staff said yes. They were slightly warm but inside was cold.

Service: 1 star as same woman was rude and just unfriendly. First visit was during their anniversary celebration and when we asked a mild aged woman with short hair a question she was rude and unfriendly. Chalked it up to a busy day. This kind of work can be hard. Went back at noon on a Friday and same woman was even ruder. No one else there, we paid and tipped cash. We only got two items. She refused to answer question. When asked about price of T-shirt her answer was I don’t know and no offer to help. When we thanked her she looked at us and walked away.

We won’t be back. Donuts are tasty but not worth the lack of welcome. Sad because have had neighbors tell me how great...