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USA Today: 10 delicious stops on the first donut trail in the country
June 05, 2019
In 1960, Holtman’s began as a mom-and-pop donut shop in Newton, Ohio, but it’s since grown to four locations, with number five on the way in fall 2019. The West Chester shop (opened in 2017) is Toni Holtman-Plazarin and family’s third location (the trendy Over-the-Rhine location opened in 2013 and still has lines out the door) andis the only shop included on the trail.
Their donuts might be priced higher than some other shops ($12 for a mixed dozen and $2 specialty), but that’s because they tend to make too-pretty-to-eat donuts, such as Fruity Pebbles confections, Game of Thrones-themed ones, a margarita-glazed one, chocolate cream cheese iced donuts and their famous maple bacon donut.
For those who are late risers, you're in luck – unless they sell out, Holtman's stays open until 8 p.m.
CityBeat: Everything We Saw at Cincinnati’s Boozy Brunched Party at The Phoenix
June 22, 2019
CityBeat's boozy breakfast club Brunched took over downtown's The Phoenix on June 22 with bottomless bloody marys and mimosas, screwdrivers, bellinis and more! Oh — and plenty of food.
Greater Cincinnati brunch hot spots were on hand offering samples of their best bites. Local favorites like Sleepy Bee Cafe, Holtman's Donuts, Revolution Rotisserie, Sugar 'N Spice and more were in attendance.
CityBeat: 25 Iconic Cincinnati Restaurants to Take an Out-of-Towner
November 22, 2019
From classic staples like Skyline and LaRosa's to new favorites such as Sotto and Pho Lang Thang, the Queen City has many unique dining options to delight outsiders.
If you have guests visiting, you can start off the day with Holtman's donuts, wispy thin pancakes from Sugar n' Spice or a traditional breakfast from Sleepy Bee. Later, either make the obligatory chili run to Camp Washington Chili or grab some tacos at Bakersfield or Gomez. The Cincy-exclusive possibilities are endless
Chicago Parent: 7 Midwest food trails worth the trip
July 02, 2019
Must-stop: Offering a variety of unique flavors -- Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms and Toasted S'mores -- Holtman's Donuts are Instagram-worthy. This shop wins hands down for best atmosphere for savoring your donuts with its modern black-and-white tiles and the spacious seating area to the open-air bakery so you watch them make these sweet treats.
Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Match made in heaven': Holtman's Donuts adding Oakley location
June 20, 2018
“We make the same recipe my grandpa used when he opened the business in 1960," Katie's husband and co-owner, Danny Plazarin said. "It’s important for us to show people the love and care that goes into making our doughnuts. It’s a craft we’ve built our reputation on and we’re excited to share our hand made from scratch doughnuts with the Oakley neighborhood."
Business Courier: EXCLUSIVE: Holtman's Donuts coming to Oakley
June 20, 2018
A Cincinnati favorite is opening its fifth location in one of Cincinnati's hottest neighborhoods.
Holtman's Donuts has signed a lease to open a donut bakery at 3450 Madison Road in Oakley with the goal of being opened by the middle of 2019.
San Antonio Magazine: Cincinnati Spring
April 01, 2018
EAT Cincinnati has a burgeoning foodie scene with lots of fresh-faced chefs making tasty dishes. But go truly old-school with a visit to Holtman’s Donuts, which was first opened in 1960 and is known as much for its warm customer service as it is for its maple bacon and red velvet donuts.
Food & Wine: This Midwest Neighborhood Is Home to One of the Country's Most Promising Food Scenes
March 05, 2018
On Vine Street, local donut king Holtman's maintains a cheerful, modern shop, bridging the divide between the classic and the nouveau, all while keeping prices reasonable.
Food & Wine: Everything You Need to Know About Ohio's Donut Trail
March 02, 2018
Holtman’s Donuts is more than a family business—it’s a family legacy, says co-owner Katie Plazarin, whose husband, Danny, and in-laws, Chuck and Toni, also have a hand in the shop. “My husband’s grandfather started the business in 1960,” Katie Plazarin says, “and it was his dream [for us] to carry on his legacy and grow the family business.” Their West Chester shop features an open bakery, so you can see doughnuts being freshly made. “It’s important to us to show our customers that we craft from scratch, and kids enjoy watching our bakers hand cut, dip, and decorate the doughnuts,” she says.
The Odyssey: 10 Things To Do If You Are New To Cincinnati, Ohio
February 08, 2018
Vine Street is also in Over the Rhine, a transitioning neighborhood in Cincinnati. Historic buildings and streets are being restored, and this street has countless restaurants and boutiques to go to. Holtman's Donuts is a favorite of many, as well as The Senate, The Eagle and Atavola.
Craft Beer Joe: Beer Brewed With Donuts: Combining Two Of Life’s Greatest Creations
February 08, 2018
It’s impossible for me to write about beer brewed with donuts and not talk about what I’ve seen in my area; Cincinnati. Not only do we have a ton of great breweries in my hometown but there’s also some amazing bakeries making tasty donuts.
The bakery that is most involved with craft beer in Cincinnati is Holtman’s Donuts. They’ve been working hard to bridge the worlds of beer and donuts.
Business Insider: The 10 best places to visit in the US this year, according to Lonely Planet
February 07, 2018
Cincinnati is known as a river city (it is literally a city on the Ohio River). Go admire its beautiful 19th-century architecture, grab a breakfast donut at Cincinnati-favorite Holtman's Donuts, and round off the day with an enriching visit to the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Best Things Ohio: The 10 Best Doughnuts Shops in Ohio!
December 28, 2017
Holtman's Donuts was opened in Loveland, Ohio in 1960 by Charles Holtman, and it's been family-owned ever since. They serve up doughnuts made the old-fashioned way, from scratch, and using only the highest quality ingredients. Their doughnut recipes don't come from a book or a card, but have been passed down by word of mouth within the family since the shop opened.
Journal News: 5 things to know about the new Holtman’s Donuts in Butler County
November 18, 2017
An award-winning, family-owned doughnut shop chain with a devoted Greater Cincinnati fan-base recently debuted its first Butler County location.
Holtman’s Donuts, which also has locations in Over-The-Rhine, Loveland and Williamsburg, located its fourth storefront at 9558 Civic Centre Blvd. in the Streets of West Chester shopping center.
We spoke with marketing and branding manage Katie Plazarin, who co-owns the shop with her husband, Danny, to give readers five things to know about Holtman’s Donuts and its newest site.
WCPO: Cincinnati tops list of cities that are hipper than you think
November 03, 2017
Over-the-Rhine once again seems to drive this ranking, grabbing attention for its notable revitalization over the past several years. OTR craft shop MiCA 12/v and Holtman's Donuts get high praise, while Downtown's art-filled 21C Museum Hotel and the Contemporary Arts Center next door also earn mentions.
The News Record: Brewcats | Streetside, Holtman’s create perfect dessert beer
November 02, 2017
Columbia-Tusculum’s Streetside Brewery, Holtman’s Donuts and Cincy Weekend recently collaborated to create “Robe,” a stout based on the OTR donut shop’s cream cheese donut. The beer is brewed with actual red velvet donuts in the mash.
Jetsetter: 7 U.S. Cities That Are Hipper Than You Think
November 01, 2017
This transformation is no more apparent than in the city’s Over-the-Rhine district—the once epicenter of German immigrant society—where an $80 million revitalization has added cool new shops (we love the craft shop MiCA 12/V), local art galleries, and charming cafes (check out Iris BookCafé, which has a secret garden replete with sculptures). Stop for a sweet bite at Holtman’s Donuts, a family-owned chain dating back to 1960, before heading to the Zaha Hadid-designed Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, the first freestanding American museum designed by a woman (inside, you’ll find cutting-edge photography, film, and performance art).
Business Courier: Holtman's Donuts teams with brewery on limited-edition cider
September 14, 2017
A longtime Greater Cincinnati family-owned business is teaming up with one of the area’s newest craft breweries to produce a limited edition cider.
Holtman’s Donuts, founded in 1960 in Newton, is collaborating with March First Brewing, which opened in April, to produce Holtman's Apple Fritter Cider, a hard cider with an ABV of 6.9 percent.
The businesses will host a release party 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at the brewery’s taproom at 7885 East Kemper Road, Symmes Township. The cider will be released to retailers, bars and restaurants on Sept. 29.
Journal-News: Holtman’s Donuts sets opening date for new Butler County location
September 04, 2017
The wait will soon be over!
Holtman’s Donuts, a family doughnut bakery more than a half-century old, has announced its first Butler County location will open Sept. 9. 2017
A grand opening is planned for 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, the doughnut shop announced on its Facebook page.
The business will open at 9558 Civic Center Blvd. in the Streets of West Chester development near soon-to-open Matt the Miller’s Tavern and the new Chuy’s Tex Mex and Duluth Trading Co.
The Wall Street Journal: From Ailing to Artisanal: The Transformation of a Cincinnati Neighborhood
August 22, 2017
Holtman’s Donuts, a small family-owned chain, opened a shop in Over-the-Rhine in 2013, after getting a loan through 3CDC and its property development partners, the Model Group, the store’s landlord.
“A lot of people thought we were crazy,” said Katie Plazarin, who co-owns the shop with her husband, Danny Plazarin.
But the bet paid off. The store did so well that the Plazarins are now planning on opening a fourth location in West Chester, Ohio, about 22 miles north of Cincinnati. The couple credit the Over-the-Rhine store for cementing their brand and giving them greater visibility.
WCPO: Here is WCPO Editor Mike Canan's list of top nine places to share with out-of-town friends
June 02, 2017
Speaking of breakfast/brunch, Holtman’s is another must. If guests are only here for one morning it presents such a conundrum -- Sleepy Bee or Holtman's. The specialty doughnuts catch guests’ attention. But every doughnut they make is: Mmmmm... Donut
The List: Top 3 sweet doughnut shops across America
June 01, 2017
This doughnut shop was first established in the 1960s and while the original one still exists, they've upped they're goodies game with creative concoctions like the peanut butter and Oreo donuts and a maple doughnut topped with bacon crumbles. YUM!
BOSS Magazine: 7 TOP LUXURY DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS IN 2017
June 01, 2017
Cincinnati, Ohio: The Queen’s City recent transformation is apparent in its Over-the-Rhine district, which was settled by German immigrants during the 19th century. In the older times, it used to be a dodgy neighborhood, but now its modernized buildings and warehouses are now offices and apartments for various tech companies.
Walk towards Vine Street and you can discover the best interior design shops such as Elm & Iron and one Cincinnati’s popular foodie institutions, Holtman’s Donuts. Don’t miss celebrity-favorite Boca and Sotto and add an unforgettable dining experience to your trip.
CityNova: If Game of Thrones Characters Were Holtman’s Donuts
June 20, 2016
Yes, all donuts must die. Even the most beautiful creations from Holtman’s must finally come to an end. Just as you get more and more attached to them with every bite, you never know when your brain will go all Red Wedding on you and decide to end it. You truly have no control over the carnage that ensues. With that being said, it’s kind of similar to the world of Game of Thrones, which led us to the conclusion that every donut at Holtman’s reminds us of certain characters on the show. With that being said, here are our thoughts on which character best represents each donut…
WCPO: Cincinnatians have adopted these delicious foods as their own
May 10, 2017
Holtman's gained a new level of visibility when the Over-the-Rhine store opened in 2013, but this family business has actually been around since 1960. Now a new generation of social media-savvy fans are discovering these golden beauties, and so has the rest of the nation, it seems. Buzzfeed described it as "donut heaven," Travel and Leisure included Holtman's in its "Perfect Three-day Weekend in Cincinnati" and Food Network star Alton Brown even put it on his list of "Favorite Donuts in the U.S.A." Get yourself a dozen at any of its locations in Loveland, Williamsburg, Over-the-Rhine and, soon, West Chester.
Best Things Ohio: The 10 Best Doughnuts Shops in Ohio!
May 01, 2017
Holtman's Donuts was opened in Loveland, Ohio in 1960 by Charles Holtman, and it's been family-owned ever since. They serve up doughnuts made the old-fashioned way, from scratch, and using only the highest quality ingredients. Their doughnut recipes don't come from a book or a card, but have been passed down by word of mouth within the family since the shop opened.
Travel Maritimes: CINCINNATI “OVER THE RHINE”
April 27, 2017
You will never look at a donut the same way after you take a bite into a Holtman’s donut. Family owned and serving up an old fashioned recipe made from scratch since the 1960’s, there is an irrefutable magic to the glaze, especially when it comes to the maple syrup and bacon donuts, complete with real bacon bits. The apple fritter was by far the best donut I have ever had, so much so that I went back across town the next day to indulge again. Get there early while they are still warm!
Buzzfeed: 25 Unique Local Cincinnati Eats
April 20, 2017
With summertime quickly approaching, you may be beginning to plan vacations and weekends away from home. If you’re looking for a unique and fun city to explore, look no further than Cincinnati, Ohio. Not only are there countless museums, historical tours, beautiful parks, and stunning overlooks, but Cincinnati has become quite the haven for incredible local eats. It doesn’t get more Cincinnati than Skyline Chili and Graeter’s Ice Cream, but there is definitely more for your taste buds to explore in this amazing city.
The Cincy Weekend: See How Holtman’s Makes Their Famous Donuts
April 04, 2017
They’ve only been in Over-the-Rhine for 4 years now, but everyone knows Holtman’s Donuts is a neighborhood staple. So what exactly makes their donuts so good? Hard work. We went behind the scenes to get a glimpse into how exactly they’re made every single day.
March 29, 2017
1st Place: Donuts
1st Place: Neighborhood Bakery (Downtown/OTR)
1st Place: Neighborhood Bakery (Northern ’Burbs)
3rd Place: Overall Bakery (Sweets)
Travel + Leisure: The Perfect Three-day Weekend in Cincinnati
March 21, 2017
Take a ride on the Cincinnati Bell Connector, the city’s new tram, a few blocks south to the regenerated Washington Square. OTR’s Vine Street is home to a burgeoning retail scene where you can browse independent stores like Mica/12 and Article menswear. Satisfy any lingering sugar cravings with a trip to Cincinnati institution Holtman’s Donuts.
Tripping: America The Beautiful Series: The Best Doughnut In Every U.S. State In 2017
March 09, 2017
From glazed and topped with sprinkles to cronuts and crullers, doughnuts come in a variety of tasty textures, shapes, and flavors. Moreover, although the doughnut’s origin is much disputed, there is little doubt regarding the deliciousness of these doughy pastries. Doughnuts have evolved greatly from its humble beginnings. It’s not uncommon to find these pastries topped with maple icing and bits of crispy bacon or covered in fruity cereal. There is even a $100 doughnut that is adorned in edible 24 carat gold flakes.
While these sweet treats are commonly eaten for breakfast or dessert, they’re perfect for whenever. It is advisable to keep the store hours in mind since some shops operate at relatively odd hours. Whether you prefer traditional or inspired specialty doughnuts, here are some of the greatest ones in the nation.
Cincinnati Magazine: The Faces of Donuts
February 14, 2017
Charles Holtman opened his first Holtman’s Donuts shop in 1960. Holtman’s Donuts shops in Loveland & Williamsburg are now owned by Charles’ s daughter Toni and her husband, Chuck. Their son Danny and his wife, Katie, have continued the tradition with the opening of the Over-the-Rhine location. Their daughters Lorrie and Becky also work in the shops, making this business a family one.
Committed to the old-fashioned way, Holtman’s Donuts are created from scratch using the highest quality ingredients and an old family recipe passed down now to three generations. From a family shop to your family’s table, enjoy a scrumptious donut.
West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle: February 2017 Around Town
February 01, 2017
Two additional restaurants adding more flavor to the new development include Matt the Miller’s Tavern and Holtman’s Donuts. New-to-market Matt the Miller’s Tavern is an upscale casual restaurant featuring a chef-driven menu and constantly rotating inventory of craft, draft and local beer. Next to Matt the Miller’s Tavern will be Holtman’s Donuts, which has built a cult-like following in recent years. The donut shop will feature their renowned specialty donuts. Rounding out the new development is Duluth Trading Company, a rapidly growing lifestyle brand for men and women who lead a hands-on lifestyle.
Travel + Leisure: 50 Best Places to Travel in 2017
December 06, 2016
The Queen City’s transformation is most evident in its Over-the-Rhine district, first settled by German immigrants in the 19th century. Once a dodgy neighborhood, it has renovated buildings and warehouses that are now apartments and offices for tech companies. On Vine Street, young brands like interiors shop Elm & Iron sit alongside Cincinnati institutions like Holtman’s Donuts. There are larger changes throughout the city: the new Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar links the northern fringes of OTR with downtown and the Ohio River, and Ziegler Park, with a deepwater pool and redesigned public spaces, will be unveiled this spring, followed by the reopening of the city’s historic Music Hall and the inaugural Blink Cincinnati light and art festival in October.
43 Crazy or Unique Doughnuts You Have to Try
October 28, 2016
Family-owned and -operated for more than 50 years, Holtman's Donuts in Cincinnati serves two varieties of s'mores doughnut. The first is a regular yeast doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and graham cracker crumbs, topped with a specially ordered square marshmallow, toasted with a butane torch, and finished with chocolate icing. For the second, a marshmallow is tucked into the yeast dough before frying, and the doughnut is topped with chocolate icing and graham cracker.
Where will Holtman's open its next location?
October 24, 2016
Now they have a spot. The next Holtman's will be in the extension of the Streets of West Chester, across from the new golfing entertainment center Top Golf. It will be in a new multi-tenant building on a street that is being finished this month. said Plazarin. "We wanted to be somewhere our brand hasn't touched," she said. "But people in West Chester know about our doughnuts. And it's a nice little area that we feel will continue to develop."
Holtman's Donuts named BEST donuts in OHIO from BuzzFeed & Yelp
October 09, 2016
Few things are more perfect than a doughnut: Iced with crackly glaze that melts upon contact, this simple fried pastry has the ability to lift the foggiest of mornings into perfect bliss. The question is: where to find the best one? We asked Yelp for the most popular doughnut shop in every state (plus D.C.) — which they measured using an algorithm that looked at the number of reviews plus the star rating for every doughnut business on Yelp.
Here are the 51 best spots to find glazed, sprinkled, and chocolate ganache-stuffed doughnuts — from Yelp users who love them as much as you do!
Hey, you got your doughnut in my beer
September 22, 2016
Some say it sounds like heaven.
They may even consider it a holy experience – or, hole-y, if you will.
And, with a name like Baked & Brewed, it’s almost certain dozens will rise to the occasion.
That’s because the first-ever event is all about everyone’s favorite sugary, fried confections and an unlikely counterpart: doughnuts and beer.
In October, Cincinnatians will be able to indulge in a celebration of the city’s beer and bakeries through factory tours and tastings in honor of National Doughnut Month.
Breweries team up with bakeries for donut celebration
September 21, 2016
Cincinnati breweries are teaming up with local bakery legends for a month-long donut celebration.
For those who like brews with their baked goods, donut-brewed beer will be on some menus starting in October.
“We are also partnering with eight different breweries, and our presenting sponsor, Holtman's Donuts,has partnered with them to create eight different local donut beers,” Yelp Cincinnati’s community director Cindy Galea said.
Cincy Magazine Dining Top 5: Breakfast
July 14, 2016
Family owned and operated since its opening in 1960, Holtman’s Donuts is a local favorite. With three locations in Over-the-Rhine, Loveland and Williamsburg, the donut shop draws locals and tourists visiting from far away places. Bennitta McNair, who has worked in the Over-the-Rhine location since its opening three years ago, says she has customers from Canada and New York. Fresh-baked glazed and iced donuts sit nestled next to more quirky favorites like the maple bacon, a glazed donut with bacon sprinkled on top.
July 11, 2016
Katie Plazarin and her mother-in-law, Toni Plazarin, display doughnuts at Holtman’s Donut Shop in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Toni’s father, Charles Holtman, established the business in 1960. Holtman’s opened its latest store here in 2013.