"Hole in the wall businesses" are the best in my opinion. They are usually the businesses that natives swear by as the best in the community, and the first place I take out-of-town family or friends when they come to visit.

In Lakewood there is a good example. The Original House Of Donuts have been baking maple bars and other favorites since 1959 when Bob and Marilyn Meatham first opened it. The Original House of Donuts became a community favorite and still are to this day, winning Evening Magazine's Best Of Western Washington in 2015, and South Sound Magazine's Best of South Sound in 2017. Like most "hole-in-the-wall businesses," when you first arrive at the Lakewood establishment there's not much room to walk or sit. However, there is plenty of room to look at their wonderful, handcrafted showcase and smell the magic that is the bakery. A lot has changed since 1959, but the important attributes have remained. "All the recipes that Bob and Marilyn created are still the same recipes that we use today," said Manna Webber, the manager of the Lakewood location, who has witnessed the stores advancement and growth. One of the things you will notice about today's Original House Of Donuts is everything is just that: original. Everything from the recipe books to the 60's vibe of the establishment.

This weekend, OHOD turns 58. What's a good birthday without a good party? What's a good birthday party without a delicious eating competition?  OHOD is hosting their 2nd annual birthday celebration and eating competition. The rules are simple, eat as many doughnuts as you possibly can in five minutes without throwing up or walking away. The winner receives a trophy, a T-shirt, a dozen doughnuts every month for a year, and the title of World Donut Eating Champion. The runner-ups will receive their choice of a $20 gift card or a T-shirt. To participate, you can go to one of three OHOD locations and submit a ticket. The only rules for the contest are you must be 18 or older and you have to be available Saturday at 1 p.m. On the day of the event you will be given a glass of water and you are allowed to use your hands. "Last years winner finished thirteen doughnuts; I don't know how he did it," Manna said. She also noted that she has received a lot more entries than she did last year and she is expecting a far greater turnout. This is a great opportunity for you to come and wish the Original House of Donuts a happy birthday, and stay for the doughnuts.

OHOD World Donut Eating Contest, Saturday, Aug. 19, 1-2 p.m., free, Original House Of Donuts, 9638 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, originalhouseofdonuts.com