East County News Service

Photos by Karen Pearlman

March 29, 2025 (Santee) - Mary Hennessy, the 90-something owner of Mary's Donuts, grabs a sweet treat during her business's 40th anniversary bash Saturday morning, March 29. 

Hennessy, who plied the donut trade at a Winchell's Donuts, bought the former Zona's Donut Shop with her husband, and opened the original Mary’s Donuts and Coffee in 1984 on Mission Gorge Road in Santee. After a lease dispute with her landlord, Hennessy moved the popular donut spot just a few blocks away to a nearby strip mall along Carlton Hills Boulevard. Hennessy still oversees operations.

By Robin Norris Kendall

November 22, 2016 (Lakeside) -- When you die and go to heaven the first thing you will put in your mouth is one of Mary’s donuts. At least that is what I thought when I bit into one at the new Lakeside location. I am not like Homer Simpson, I don’t dream of donuts…donuts, but these are so fresh and light that I am now a fan.