Our Story
A Hammond institution. A community gathering place. A game-day tradition. This is University Donuts.
Born on
University Ave.
University Donuts opened in 2010 on West University Avenue in Hammond, Louisiana — right in the heart of the community it was built to serve. From day one, it was more than a donut shop. It was a meeting place.
When William Hall took ownership in 2015, he brought with him a simple philosophy: make everything fresh, know your customers by name, and treat every person who walks through the door like family.
That philosophy turned a neighborhood donut shop into a Hammond institution — the kind of place where SLU athletes fuel up before games, where coaches and professors share a table, and where regulars have been coming every morning for over a decade.
From LaPlace to
Hammond's Heart.
"I love being here because I get to meet the college students, but also see my daily regulars who have come here for years. This place is for everyone in Hammond."
William Hall grew up in LaPlace, Louisiana, in a family with deep roots in business ownership. He got his start in restaurants early, beginning at age 14 at Sicily's Pizzeria before continuing that path in Hammond and building his life in the community. That early experience shaped the approach he still brings to University Donuts today: fresh food, familiar faces, and a place people want to come back to.
In May 2015, Hall took ownership of University Donuts from founder Harry Ridgel, who opened the shop in 2010. Since then, he has continued building it into more than a donut shop — a Hammond staple with a strong Southeastern connection, where students, athletes, coaches, alumni, and longtime locals all feel at home.
"If it's not with my kids before school then it's before practice with our recruits. We often bring our recruits here because what better way to welcome them to the Lady Lion Family than surrounding them with a welcoming Southeastern atmosphere, great company and great food."
The University Donuts Way
Fresh Every Day
Donuts made fresh every morning before the doors open. No day-olds, no shortcuts.
Community First
SLU athletes, coaches, families, and daily regulars — this place belongs to Hammond.
Known by Name
Walk in twice and you're a regular. That's the University Donuts way.
4.6 Stars, 332 Reviews
The community speaks for itself. Consistently rated Hammond's favorite breakfast spot.
Southern Breakfast,
Done Right.
Every donut is made fresh every morning. Every breakfast plate is cooked to order. Every lunch special is made with the same care that's kept regulars coming back for over a decade.
From the glazed donut that's been perfected over years to the Frat House Potatoes that have become a Hammond legend — this is Southern food made with pride.
4.6 Stars on Google
332 reviews and counting
"Best donuts in Hammond, hands down. The glazed are always fresh and the breakfast is incredible. Been coming here since college."
"My team eats here before every home game. William knows exactly what we want. This place is part of our game-day routine."
"The Breakfast in a Bowl is life-changing. I drive 20 minutes just for this. Worth every mile."
"The apple fritter is the size of my head and costs $3.50. I don't understand how they do it. Don't ever change."
"Frat House Potatoes are legendary. The staff remembers your order after two visits. That's real Southern hospitality."
"I've been coming here since 2012. William has built something truly special for this community. Hammond wouldn't be the same without it."