Mama Crockett's Cider Donuts
I love a “pop-up” anything from a shoe sale to a brunch. Advertise a pop-up event and I will be there. When I saw a Facebook post for a pop-up donut truck called, Mama Crockett’s that was coming to my little town, I wanted to show up, support this entrepreneurial venture, and see what the hype was all about.
Based on the name, I expected to roll up and see an older, southern, country-woman making or selling her donuts. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As I pulled into the parking lot I saw the cutest little aqua-colored trailer with a huge black logo of a woman’s face on the side, apparently the profile of Mama Crockett.
As I approached the trailer I heard speakers blasting out these really cool current vibes.
I was a little confused as this did not seem like the music genre choice for a little old mama. I had imagined blue grass or to hear her grooving to the tunes of Etta James or Patsy Cline but not this hip jam!
Rarely do little, old ladies listen to music at that decibel level either, unless of course, they are hard of hearing.
Instead of seeing a gray-haired, frock-wearing, elderly woman in the trailer, I observed two young men moving very quickly inside prepping, cooking, and boxing the donuts. Maybe these were her grandsons?
After all, I have seen the resurgence of young people in the culinary world who are carrying on their parents or grandparents legacy. We recently tasted some great barbeque prepared by two pre-teen boys at a BBQ competition. They aptly named their company Pappy’s Legacy in honor of their grandfather competed before them.
Assuming this was the case with Mama Crockett, I abandoned all my preconceived notions and settle into the fact that I was about to experience something a bit different than I had originally thought.
Whenever you visit this pop up plan to wait in a slow moving line while smelling all the fantastic pastry aromas wafting your way. You will watch as each person is called up to retrieve their prized box(es) of “dozies”.
When its finally your turn to order the best cider donuts they will get fried and rolled right in front of you. I would be remiss if I did not mention the fresh crisp apple cider itself. I always have to get one, when visiting their pop ups.
The first time I visited I asked about who owned the company I was introduced to a very nice third young man who informed me that he and his partner own it together. So who is Mama Crockett I still wondered?
I was offered a free cider slushie, I thought why not! I am still a little confused after all what is a cider slushie?
One sip gave me a basis for everything I would need to know about Mama Crockett’s. Apparently, they own a cider press facility and every day the cider is pressed fresh, ergo the premise for the cider donuts and the cider slushies.
This tart and sweet beverage tasted so cool and refreshing that I may have to figure out how to recreate this drink. (Sorry I sucked this drink down and did not get a photo, but trust me you want to try this.)
As I sipped, I gave the menu a quick glance to figure out the donut flavor choices and scanned the prices. It appears that there are only two flavors offered cinnamon sugar or maple sugar.
The price was reasonable, thirteen dollars for a mixed dozen. I ordered two dozen, one for us and one for my husband’s office. I believe when I visited this last time pricing was about the same.
In my most recent visit in 2024 they were raising funds for Western North Carolina. Way to go!
Who doesn’t love a good fresh cider donut? These round, deep-fried pastries did not disappoint. The cake style donuts are made with that freshly-pressed cider added right to the dough. In my opinion, this made the donut itself less sweet than most perhaps even added a bit of tartness.
While they are still hot from the oil, these little lovelies are rolled and covered in a mixture of cinnamon sugar, or maple sugar. This gave the savory donuts just enough crispness and sweetness to excite my palate.
They are from Lynchburg Virginia.
Where at the time they had a storefront. Can you say road trip? It would be totally worth it!
I read that Mama Crockett’s name and logo are a bit of a mystery. Maybe just some great marketing, who knows? I enjoy good quality, interesting food and also appreciate good marketing, so all is well with me and Mama Crockett’s cool brand. Check them out next time they roll through your town maybe I will see you there!
Update 2024 So How Are They Doing ?
There is no longer a brick and mortar location.
Their founder, Frederick Willis pictured in the photo above, very bravely and openly rolled his business backward in 2022 to focus on his mental health.
He had to make tough decisions about his then already massively successful popular donut empire and in the process showed how much he cared for his staff and customers.
Visit Mama Crockett’s Facebook page and read his story. Like their page to be kept informed as to when they may be coming to a town near you.
Mama Crockett’s is an shining example of when you are genuine and produce a quality product that the public will respond.
Lines were wrapped around the block before we arrived today and were forming again as we left. They will work the entire long weekend moving their little blue/green trailer around parts of North Carolina serving up hot donuts for all who are in the know and now you are too!
We could not be happier for Mama Crockett’s!
Our Rating
We give Mama Crockett’s a 5 hearts out of 5 for their genuineness, spirit, and food quality. They are one of the best donut options in the south!
