If you’re looking for the best donut shop in the country, head to the old BJ Cinnamon location at 402 E. Bidwell Street in Folsom. The popular cinnamon roll and donut shop was recently named one of the top five donut shops in the country by Yelp.
The elite folks at Yelp, known for providing quality reviews as Yelp describes it, were recently given a fun task: to name the best donut shops in the country. Based on their ratings and reviews, Yelp ranked the 50 highest-rated donut shops in the country, and local favorite BJ Cinnamon Donuts made the top five!
Owner Chanthoeun To said he’s thrilled to receive this latest honor; he believes what sets their donuts apart from the rest is their freshness and perfect timing during the frying process.
To and his wife get up before the sun rises every morning to make the dough, so that when they open the doors at 5 a.m. every morning, customers can enjoy the freshest product, straight from the oven or fryer.
“The way we knead the dough, the way we fry it, and the timing of it all have a big impact,” To said. “It tastes fresh, very fresh.”
In 2019, To and his family moved to Folsom from the Bay Area. To was previously a software engineer, and his wife ran a donut shop. Later, To decided to change careers and began working at the store to help his wife.
The couple also tried making bagels, but eventually the cinnamon roll became their signature, and the frosting of this donut took the dessert to a new level of deliciousness. When asked how he makes the frosting so delicious, To just smiled and said, “It’s a secret.” But he did reveal what makes his donuts special.
“Like, when you eat a frosted donut, you can feel it when you put it in your mouth. It’s soft inside and around it, a little bit crispy, kind of like you take a bite on the palette and it just melts in your mouth,” To said. “And it’s not too sweet; it’s just the right texture.”
Apparently, many people agree with this coveted description: TJ Cinnamon’s walls are covered with awards. Since To and his family took over the shop in 2019, they have won the Folsom Telegraph’s “Best Local Donut Shop” award every year, and each medal is proudly displayed.
The holiday season is always especially busy, with countless local residents coming in to buy the signature cinnamon rolls or donuts, making special events even more special.
“We were super busy a week ago on Mother’s Day,” To said. “People line up outside just to get donuts.”
BJ Cinnamon is open from 5am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 5am to 4pm Saturday, and 5am to 3pm Sunday. In addition to classic frosted donuts, maple bars, etc., they often try some interesting new products, such as strawberry donuts and the latest whipped cream mocha donut.
When asked which job is more fun, software or donuts, he answered without hesitation:
“Of course I like donut shops,” said Johnnie To with a smile; and he eats donuts most of the time, his favorite is the sugar twist donut.
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