San Mateo’s Donut Delite slated to close

“I’m going to miss San Mateo,” Khov said, adding he loves the people and hopes to find a new location at an affordable price to bring Donut Delite back to the neighborhood.

But before becoming the owner of three doughnut shops along the Peninsula, Khov obtained refugee sponsorship through PCC with the help from his sister. He then worked at Winchell’s Donut House, a doughnut franchise, where a friend helped him get a job. He worked there for almost a year before working at PCC.

“[Donut Delite] was not my first store,” Khov said. “I built Donut Depot in Redwood City” with money saved up from his previous jobs.  

After opening Donut Depot, which is still in operation in North Fair Oaks on Middlefield Road but under different management, he opened Donut Delite in San Mateo. Then he opened the  second Donut Delite in Menlo Park on Willow Road and the newest store on the corner of Whipple Avenue and El Camino Real. 

Downtown San Mateo Association Director Mackenzie Jakoubek describes Donut Delite as a “really wonderful spot” that sells great doughnuts and coffee with tons of regulars who visit every day. 

The development on First Avenue and B Street planned to replace Donut Delite, China Bee and other now-vacant shops is a four-story building, spanning 41,200 square feet and featuring retail, restaurant and office space, according to Harvest Properties partner Preston O’Connell. Harvest Properties is the commercial real estate firm overseeing the development expected to be completed in 2027.

The development will be one of the first mass timber buildings in San Mateo, a type of engineered wood that is strong, fire resistant and sustainable, he said. 

O’Connell added the development will bring long-term economic value by adding jobs, increasing foot traffic and rejuvenating downtown’s forward-thinking identity. He did not comment on Donut Delite’s absence from the new development, despite initial talks to have Sung in the new building. 

“I felt bad when the building got sold. I like the people; that’s why I don’t want to leave,” Khov said. “I don’t want to leave, but the corporation can do whatever they want.” 

Khov works with his wife, Cathy, who he married in Cambodia and his brother, Hong, who helps him run the stores. He also employs different bakers in each store, so whenever he goes to one store he will taste-test the doughnuts and if they aren’t to his liking, he disposes of the batch. 

Khov has three children who don’t help in the daily operations because he wants them to get an education since he never completed his own. 

For many, Donut Delite was more than just a doughnut store. “Whenever I pick up my kids I come here and get them a treat or I bring them into the store. The kids get to experience a lot of diversity and it is very accessible,” San Mateo resident Jen Naecker said.

“The people there are really nice,” San Mateo resident Melody Wong said, “and it’s a nice way to start the day.”

For those looking to indulge in a sweet pastry or a lottery scratcher after Donut Delite’s departure, Jakoubek recommends Mi Rancho Super Market located down the road from Donut Delite at 80 N. B St. 

“Downtown changes frequently. We will be sad to see them go,” Jakoubek said. “We don’t have a lot of other doughnut spots and they will definitely be missed.”