Jolly Pirate Donuts — Restaurant in West Virginia

Here is a letter I sent to the MBMBAM email with the subject line "A Letter of Gratitude":

My mom and I went to Point Pleasant to partake in Mothman Fest last weekend. Since we were so close to Huntington, we paid a visit. I told my mom (partially in jest) that we needed to go to Jolly Pirate Donuts, as Justin McElroy has sung their praises and I trust the expert opinion of such a donut aficionado. Little did we know, they would far surpass our expectations. We each ordered a gyro, fries, and a donut. The gyro was an unexpected offering from this particular establishment, but greatly welcome. It was absolutely delicious, no complaints. Now the fries. I don't say this lightly, these might be the best fries I have ever eaten in my life. Perfect crisp outside, perfect soft inside, perfectly seasoned, and the texture of the battered fry is unmatched. And the main event. I ordered a custard donut. I tore it in half to inspect the goods, and found a light spread of custard. I admit, my expectations were low when I saw the small amount of filling, but I have never been so wrong in my life. They have perfected the ratio of custard to dough. They haven't simply made a sack of dough filled with custard. They have married these two components into a heavenly creation Dunkin and Krispy Kreme can only aspire to emulate. My mom got an apple fritter. I personally am not a fan of baked apple goods. I don't like the texture and flavor of cooked apples. But when I had a piece of this fritter, my mind was blown. Sticky, sweet, a bit soft, a bit crispy, perfectly spiced. It was the best donut I'd ever had. My mom, an apple fritter connoisseur, felt the same. I regret that we live in Florida and not anywhere remotely close to JP Donuts, but this experience has nearly convinced me to move to the vicinity. My mom and I humbly extend our deepest gratitude for the...

My experience was one of the absolute worse I have ever experienced. I have seen food dropped on the floor then picked up and put on the grill and actually serve it to customers along with flies all over the donuts as well as other food. I have seen employees being sexually harassed by the owner George and one employee in particular returning the fondling and grabbing as if they enjoyed it. I, for one, will definitely never, ever enter this establishment or any other George owns and will definitely NOT recommend Jolly Pirate Donuts to anyone, and George also pays his waiting staff under minimum wage but takes out an outrageous amount of their pay, on top of making the waitresses split the tips at end of shift, regardless of who the tip was left for, even if only one is waiting on customers while the other is sitting in back, bragging they can do what they want and get by with it because they give George what he wants. This is supposed to be a family oriented restaurant but I, for one, wouldn't even let my dog eat there and it doesn't even deserve any stars at all but I had to give it one against my...

Altogether a great experience. The donuts are easily head-and-shoulders above any other donut place I have ever been to. When first you walk in, your greeted by a smile and a wall full of donuts of all different shapes, sizes, and fillings. They have everything, and it is most likely good. Not fancy enough for you? No problem! Just under the register is a closed counter bursting with some fancier donuts, including a fun little season donut. Snowman for Christmas, Pumpkin for Halloween- that sort of things. WARNING- Bring your own milk! I, like many, others, enjoy a nice glass or bottle of milk with my surgery treat. While Jolly Pirate excels at donut selection, it's rather pathetic tiny box of milk just doesn't cut it. However, seeing as that is my only note, it is a wonderful experience very rarely darkened. If you happen to pass by it, stop by. Get a chocolate glazed or a cream filled. At about 80 cents a donut, it's...