Inside Stan’s Donuts’ New Mag Mile Flagship With Doughnuts on the Ceiling

The Mag Mile gets some prolific doughnuts this weekend. Stan’s Donuts, the LA-bred and Chicago-expanded fried-dough chain, opens what ownership calls its flagship location Saturday on Michigan Avenue, giving tourists and locals alike the chain’s first Loop shop with a myriad of bells and whistles. The location is at 181 N. Michigan Avenue, next door to America’s first Nutella Cafe that held a viral opening in May.

Stan’s opening may not turn out to be as viral as Nutella Cafe’s, but expect lines — especially on December 30 when staff gives out free doughnuts to the first 100 customers and free doughnuts for life to the lucky eater who is served the golden doughnut. Expect a menu featuring a range of flavors at different price points similar to the chain’s other spots — from classic to creative — as well as its new “croissant doughnut” with a cream filling. The drinks selection is noteworthy here, which include 10 taps for cold brew coffees and teas.

Ownership is very excited about the space itself, which is the first Stan’s to feature an open kitchen. There’s also a “ceramic donut ceiling installation,” wood and marble tables, and marble etching inside the 2,000-square-foot space that seats 50. Expect a 30-seat sidewalk patio to open when the weather warms.

Until then, let the doughnuts themselves keep your stomach warm, and check out the photos of the space as well. The new Stan’s opens to the public on Saturday morning.

Stan’s Donuts, 181 N. Michigan Avenue, open 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.