Zeke's D.C. Donutz Opens, Changes Name Due To Controversy

Graffiti-covered walls and hip-hop blasting out of speakers isn't exactly what most picture when they think of donut shop décor. But most donut shops are nothing like the recently opened Zeke's D.C. Donutz.

This Dupont Circle shop pays tribute to classic hip-hop with its décor and choice of music (expect to hear hits from the likes of The Sugarhill Gang), and it also serves up creative donut offerings. Sure, customers will find staples such as Boston cream and vanilla glazed (the shop dubbed the flavor "Vanilla Ice") on Zeke's menu, but they'll also have the option of choosing from creations like Mexican chocolate with ancho chile glaze, spinach and feta, and others packed with bacon, peanut butter, or passion fruit.

The shop also serves up traditional breakfast beverages like coffee, but offers milk infused with cereals such as Froot Loops, Cocoa Puffs, and Corn Flakes, too.

This eatery's opening also caused a stir among some D.C. residents. According to The Washington Post, the name of the shop was originally Cool Disco Donut — an homage to 1980s D.C. graffiti artist Cool "Disco" Dan. But after owner, Aaron Gordon, also the owner of Red Velvet Cupcakery and Drafting Table, started receiving negative feedback, some via Facebook, about how using Cool Disco Dan's namesake was inappropriate use of the living icon's legacy, Gordon changed the name to Zeke's D.C. Donutz (Zeke is Gordon's middle name) the day before his shop was set to open.

Gordon defended his decisions, telling the   Post,   "This is just a donut shop, for God's sakes. If people take it too hard, I'm sorry, and we're fixing it," Gordon said. "We're serving great donuts. The name doesn't matter at the end of the day."

Teresa Tobat is the Washington, D.C. Travel City Editor for The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @ttobat88. View her website at teresaktobat.com.