The National Park Service has officially added Ralph’s Donuts to the National Register of Historic Places.
Ralph’s Donuts opened in 1962 and is the oldest donut shop in Cookeville. Owner John MacDonald said Ralph’s Donuts being added to the registry is an exciting honor.
“It’s quite an accomplishment for a small business to stay open this many years, to have the following that we have, and to accomplish this, you know, this milestone to be recognized on the historic registry,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald said that before Ralph’s Donuts, the building was previously a bus station and a grocery store. MacDonald said it has been a pleasure to be rooted in a community like Cookeville.
“Cookeville is a pretty special place,” MacDonald said. “I think that really became evident during the tornado and even again during covid, Cookeville really showed what it’s all about.”
Being on the registry will preserve Ralph’s Donuts and the building. MacDonald said he is glad the building will be preserved, but he also aims to preserve the tradition of Ralph’s Donuts.
“Ralph and Evelyn Smith started it in 1962, and created a great place, a great product, they had many great employees,” MacDonald said. “Upon their passing, their daughters and son-in-law took it over, and they continued on the tradition of having a great place, with great products, and great people. And so we obtained it in 2020, and we have really tried to carry on their traditions. We haven’t changed anything, and if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Many people call Ralph’s Donuts a historic landmark in Cookeville. MacDonald said he believes Ralph’s Donuts is a great place to visit and see friendly faces every single day.
