Judy’s Donuts, a sweet bite of history

Photo: Eric Ramirez

Self-proclaimed sweet tooth Mandy Wright, owner of Judy’s Donuts in Midway, tells a story of family more than she does of baked goods or the smell of freshly ground espresso. She is the kind of lady whose smile radiates kindness and warmth, with a face—as expressive as light from a prism—on a voyage to when her parents were married. When referring to her mother, Judy Mantlo, Mandy’s eyes carry a special glimmer and the raised cheeks of fond memories.

Wright had long desired to honor her mother in a public way. In 2016, the decision was made to renovate an old Midway house on Main Street and turn it into a shop of some kind. Although not entirely sure what she would sell there, she knew ideas would work themselves out. When asked if she had decided on a name for the shop, she recounted how her mother, Judy, would get excited, do a little jittery dance, and exclaim, “These are all of my favorites!” In the beginning, Judy’s Donuts was going to be something different: “All My Favorites.”

During the process of renovating the building, ideas of opening a donut shop began to percolate the process. Wright’s eyes were opened to multiple facets of self-discovery as well. While the excavators dug through the pot-rock earth to install public water and sewer main lines – not an easy chore – Mandy took a deep dive into her relationship and interactions with family and community, sharing that the construction process was deeply enriching to her own well-being.

Wright reminisced about how much her mother loved community, her family, a sweet treat, and her creative prowess and motivation to see an idea through. She was known for creating with forgotten, old, and dispossessed ingredients. However, the story is incomplete without mentioning that Judy was raised with a candy shop in the family.

The old house that became Judy’s Donuts is a little like that candy shop. The bar and high table, made from polished, reclaimed rafters of the house’s older structure. An old (very old) bike supports the condiment bar, where napkins for spills and cream for coffee spend the morning. The sepia-tone pictures of relatives adorn the dining area, and the café’s other elements tell of a time when things were maybe, oh… just a bit simpler.

The coffee and ordering bar are wrapped in hexagonal cut tiles, appearing as a honeycomb, a tribute to Judy’s alma mater, The Box Elder Bees (the team mascot of Box Elder High School in Brigham City) and the finished renovations whisper both her passions and character.

Wright is very open about her love for restorations, especially those of old homes. She believes that renovating gives the past a more profound voice in a way that can be seen and felt. She finally decided that donuts would bring the place to life. 

The recipe at Judy’s Donuts is their own. While stories in the valley relate the donuts to those found at Chevron in Kamas, especially the humongous apple fritters, the rumors are simply that. Call them donut myths. When it comes to the apple fritters, Judy’s apple fritter is a proprietary blend of flour. Whatever the recipe, it works. The donuts and fritters are delicious. 

Wright even committed to participating in a Utah-based donut tasting contest through an official food reviewer on Instagram, @utahtasteoff, which has a substantial following. Even though the commitment was huge – 300 donuts of a particular variety – Judy’s delivered and won Best Donut with their Maple Bar. The following year, they submitted the Raspberry Bismark, winning the award for that, as well. For reference, there are more donut shops in Utah than might be expected, but Judy’s Donuts has no competition in Heber Valley (at least when it comes to donuts). There are very few places in the area that compare for a quality cup of coffee, thanks to their partnership with Caffe Ibis, a Utah coffee roaster based in Logan. 

Reviews found on Google talk largely about the impressive quality of the donut experience, drawing people from places far and near. At the time of this writing, a family visiting from Sun Valley, Idaho, had traced the reviews to Judy’s. They came, bought, and ate donuts. On their way out, they asked Mandy to open a Judy’s in Sun Valley. 

While customers wait on their orders, eyes train to the pictures on the wall of Mantlo’s family, scanning the tribute this business was always meant to be. Judy’s Donuts really is… all about Judy.