There’s a little shop on Desert Inn. It’s story is as good as the treats they serve up.
I discovered Donut Hut on a cruise down East Desert Inn late one night. After ordering a simple glazed donut, the shop’s owner, Sothy Seang, barked in a commanding voice, “And..”
Timidly, I ordered a chocolate frosted. “And?” After two more “ands”, I begged “no more.” Donut Hut remained my “secret place”.
Then, one night several years later, as I attempted to escape with my bag of too many treats, Seang commanded that I “STOP!” He shared a photo of his newborn son.
It was a moment as sweet as one of his jelly filled bismarcks. It was the first time that I had seen him smile.
On the counter, he pointed to a photo of his newborn son. For me, it was like opening a treasure chest to learn this tough, quiet man’s story and the photos that dot the walls.
From his teen years, Seang fought alongside US troops in his native Cambodia in an effort to ward off the Viet Cong. While hunkered down in the jungle one dark night, a careless fellow soldier lit a cigarette, giving the enemy an easy target.
A moment later a mortar snuffed out the cigarette…and the soldier with shrapnel slicing off one of Seang’s fingers and sending jagged metal clanging off the helmet he displays in the shop. After months recovering, the donut man returned to the jungle battles, ultimately being recognized for alerting his squad of an impending enemy attack.
His heroism was rewarded with assistance to relocating to the U.S. A bottom-rung casino job freed him up for part-time work at the Donut Hut.
He seized the opportunity to take ownership in 1991. Today, the two “OPEN” signs are lit nearly 24 hours a day with Seang and his wife serving up donuts and a new offering of tangy Asian sandwiches.
Buy a donut (or two) from these folks. You’ll feel good that you had. But call first. Sometimes they need to take a day off. Donut Hut, 3242 E Desert Inn Rd. (702) 369-1711.
