Doughnut shop that opened in the 1930s is moving from its longtime Lincoln location

Generations of Lincolnites have perched atop the low-seated stools at the Formica countertops that “V” off the Mel-O-Cream doughnut display case stocked with everything from long johns to old fashions, cake to cream filled, apple fritters to tiger tails.

But that six-decade tradition is set to come to an end Sunday with the last deep-fried pastry passing the counter at 704 Keokuk St.

Lincoln’s original home to Mel-O-Cream is closing as owners relocate the business to a newly constructed structure at 227 N. Kickapoo St., just two blocks north of the Logan County courthouse square.

Mel-O-Cream’s new home, which is slated to open later in the week after equipment from the Keokuk site is relocated, will nearly quadruple its existing footprint with both indoor and outdoor seating, a drive through window and ample parking.

The Lincoln franchise is one of only two left of the doughnut brand born in Springfield in 1932.

More: One of Springfield's favorite places for sugary treats returns to Fairhills Mall

Mel-O-Cream donuts line bakery cases across the country with the Springfield-based Mel-O-Cream Donut International selling its frozen do-kuts wholesale.

But there was a time when the Mel-O-Cream doughnut brand touted franchise locations from the Quad Cities to St. Louis. Today, there is the Springfield franchise owned by Amanda Crossland and the Lincoln franchise owned by Joe Ryan and Greg Patel.

Mel-O-Cream Donut International founder Kelly Grant Jr. and original Lincoln franchise owner Carl Meyer designed and built the simple, open counter, complete with built-in ashtrays at each seat for the Lincoln store.

Meyer worked production in Springfield’s Mel-O-Cream stores before opening the Lincoln franchise in 1964.

The Lincoln store remained in the Meyers family, eventually run by Carl’s son and daughter-in-law Dave and Kathie Meyers, until the sale in 2021 to Ryan and Patel.

The Lincoln Mel-O-Cream store will share its new home with two other yet-to-open ventures by the partners: the Copper & Oak bar and a small banquet facility called The Board Room.

Natalie Morris can be reached at 217-737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Mel-O-Cream donuts moving into new location in Logan County