I've joked about the donut wars going on in Avon, Indiana as my life has taken me through Hendricks…read moreand Putnam counties quite a bit lately. Avon has at least four donut shops within 1-2 miles of each other - Parlor, Dunkin, Pana, and Carl's.
Of these, Carl's is clearly the "local" shop. It has the look and feel of a gathering place. While the others do offer sit-down dining, especially Parlor, Carl's feels like a smalltown donut joint with its simple but pleasant decor, lower pricing, and comfortable but pleasing service.
Carl's Donuts & Bakery is a locally owned donut shop (Pana is also locally owned, though a growing chain). Carl's also doubles as a cafe and also serves other breakfast items alongside its donuts. The major plus to this approach for a guy like me is that fountain drinks are available including iced tea. I'm constantly dismayed how hard it is to get iced tea in donut shops.
I was dismayed to read Jen F's review noting poor customer service as my experience was quite the opposite with customer service being a key strength.
The basics: Carl's is located in what looks like a small office complex with a mix of retail and personal service type businesses. It's toward the back. There's some accessible parking and appropriate curb cuts. There's a double entry with glass doors that were pretty easy to manage. As you enter, a dining area is directly to the front of you and to the right side. To the left is the ordering area - I think I goofed up at entry - you begin toward the back and then exit out the front path. I went in through the front, though there wasn't a line and no one said anything.
The employees asked if I was ordering breakfast or donuts. I typically get 2-3 donuts and a drink. I stuck with this plan, however, given the comfy atmosphere opted to dine in. I haven't had much time to rest recently and it was nice to sit down. I felt a little out of place (everyone else was clearly local), though everyone was friendly.
I ordered chocolate covered yeast donuts and a fountain unsweetened iced tea. They offer discounts, it seems to military, teachers, and first responders.
The donuts had a slightly thicker yeast than some that lean toward fluffy. These were more substantial. The chocolate reminded me of Titus Bakery. The iced tea was great - no clue on brand. I could have stuck with two donuts instead of three and been satisfied.
The service was a top feature here for me. They were friendly, helpful, and patient as I figured things out. I watched them easily serve a group of senior males gathering in one corner (pouring coffee, etc.).
Carl's does not have a drive-thru. Their Facebook indicates they offer curbside pick-up.
In future visits, I'd likely experiment with donuts. This particular chocolate is not a favorite for me. I enjoyed it, but I'd easily experiment. There's no doubt I'd return for the service. At a time when I've recently lost my last family member, it was nice to be in a comfortable, welcoming, and warm environment. It did my spirit good.
I would also love to return to enjoy a meal here. Carl's wasn't packed, but it was steady throughout my visit and it's clear that Avon loves its donuts and it loves its smalltown gathering spaces.