Federal Donuts was founded in 2011 by Michael Solomonov, Steven Cook, and Tom Henneman. The trio wanted to create a donut shop that was unlike any other, and they certainly succeeded. From the moment you walk into a Federal Donuts location, you’re hit with the smell of fresh, fried dough and the sight of colorful, mouth-watering treats.
One of the things that sets Federal Donuts apart from other donut shops is their focus on “hot and fresh.” Unlike other places that make large batches of donuts in the morning and let them sit out all day, Federal Donuts makes small batches of donuts throughout the day to ensure that every customer gets a fresh, hot donut. And trust us, you can taste the difference.
But it’s not just the freshness that makes Federal Donuts special. It’s also the unique flavors and toppings. Sure, they have classic flavors like cinnamon sugar and glazed, but they also have some seriously creative options. How about a donut covered in maple bacon? Or a donut with spicy fried chicken on top? Yes, you read that right – Federal Donuts serves up a donut topped with a piece of crispy fried chicken.

And if you’re not in the mood for a donut (although we’re not sure why you wouldn’t be), Federal Donuts also serves up some seriously delicious fried chicken. In fact, they’re known for their Korean-style fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. And if you really want to go all out, you can order a “Donut Fried Chicken Sandwich” – a crispy chicken breast sandwiched between two halves of a glazed donut. It’s a little bit crazy, but trust us, it works.
So how does Federal Donuts make their donuts so darn good? It all starts with the dough. They use a brioche-style dough that is light and fluffy, but still has enough structure to hold up to frying. The dough is then cut into donut shapes and fried until crispy and golden brown. But the magic doesn’t stop there – each donut is then coated in a special seasoning blend that perfectly complements the flavor of the donut. For example, the cinnamon sugar donut is coated in a blend of cinnamon and granulated sugar, while the strawberry lavender donut is coated in a blend of freeze-dried strawberries and lavender sugar.

But Federal Donuts isn’t just about making delicious treats – they’re also committed to giving back to their community. They partner with local organizations to donate donuts to those in need, and they also offer a “Pay It Forward” program where customers can buy a donut or cup of coffee for someone who may not be able to afford it. It’s a small gesture, but it can make a big difference in someone’s day.
Overall, Federal Donuts is a must-visit for anyone who loves donuts, fried chicken, or just really good food in general. With their unique flavors, commitment to freshness, and dedication to their community, they’ve quickly become a Philadelphia institution. So next time you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, be sure to stop by Federal Donuts – your taste buds will thank you.
In addition to their brick and mortar locations, Federal Donuts has also expanded their reach through catering and delivery services. They offer a variety of packages for events, ranging from small meetings to large weddings. Their catering menu includes their famous fried chicken, donuts, coffee, and other sides such as coleslaw and potato salad.
For those who can’t make it to one of their physical locations, Federal Donuts offers nationwide shipping of their donuts. They ship out orders every Monday and Tuesday, so you can enjoy fresh Federal Donuts no matter where you are in the country. They offer a variety of package sizes, ranging from a half dozen to two dozen donuts.

One of the things that makes Federal Donuts unique is their collaborations with other local businesses. They’ve partnered with breweries to create donut-inspired beers, and they’ve also teamed up with local chefs to create limited-time flavors. These collaborations not only showcase the creativity of the Philadelphia food scene, but also bring attention to other small businesses in the area.
Another aspect of Federal Donuts that sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability. They use recyclable and compostable materials in their shops, and they’ve also implemented a closed-loop system for their used frying oil. The used oil is collected and turned into biodiesel fuel, which is used to power their delivery vehicles. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also shows that Federal Donuts is a socially responsible business.

Federal Donuts has received numerous accolades and recognition for their innovative approach to donuts and fried chicken. In 2016, they were named one of the “50 Best New Restaurants” by Bon Appetit, and in 2017, they were featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” They’ve also been recognized by local publications, such as Philadelphia Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer, for their delicious food and community involvement.
In conclusion, Federal Donuts is much more than just a donut shop. They’ve created a unique and innovative approach to both donuts and fried chicken, and their commitment to freshness, sustainability, and community involvement sets them apart from other businesses. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Philadelphia, a visit to Federal Donuts is a must. With their delicious flavors, unique toppings, and commitment to doing good, it’s no wonder they’ve become a beloved institution in the City of Brotherly Love.
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