Maverick’s Donut Co., the chain that was born in Ottawa a little less than a decade ago, has now planted two flags in Edmonton (and one more in Stony Plain), with shops at the north and south ends of the city. This week, we had a big deadline push at the office as we put the finishing touches on the January issue. So, we decided to order a box, and see how Maverick’s “gourmet” doughnut selection stacks up against the bevy of local holey-dough makers who have emerged in Edmonton.
The doughnuts came with all sorts of toppings; marshmallows, Oreo cookies, little bits of crunchy caramel. The creams weren’t heavy at all — in fact, they were surprisingly light. But, really, it’s when you strip these doughnuts down, that they stand up.
You can put marshmallows and cream on top of the stalest cake you can find and it’s still going to end up being pretty good. But what makes the Maverick doughnut stand out is what’s underneath. The cake doughnut is fluffy inside, and not overly sweet. And, it’s got that perfect crunchy coating on the outside, to add a bit of texture and buttery flavour to the whole process. There’s just a bit of give as you bite into the doughnut, and then it’s fluffy like a pillow. Really, you could order six chocolate doughnuts, without any toppings, and you’d be good.
Maverick’s is now up to 23 stores across Ontario, Alberta and South Carolina (!). With the price points on the over-the-top doughnuts, Maverick’s certainly isn’t battling Tim Hortons for chain supremacy. But it is finding a middle ground between the big chain and the artisan shops that have gone over-the top with their doughnut offerings (and long may they can continue).
Maverick’s Donut Co.
Ellerslie | 9732 Ellerslie Rd. SW, Edmonton | 780.977.9812
Gorman | 15729 37 St. NW, Edmonton | 780.473.4332
Stony Plain | 4300 South Park Dr., Unit 502 | 780.591.0155
