Did you know that today is National Donut Day? Always celebrated on the first Friday in June, National Donut Day was started by the Salvation Army back in 1938 in honor of their members who dutifully served donuts to soldiers during World War I. It was a way to bring about cheer and boost morale.
The delightfulness of the donut (doughnut) is timeless, proving to be as popular now as it has ever been. Furthermore, there are now more flavors, options, and crafty concoctions than ever before, with numerous mainstream chains and small bakeries proudly divvying out donut exclusives. Just consider our stellar selections throughout the Mid-Atlantic, particularly in tourist-centric cities and towns.
Ocean City, Maryland, is one such example of the aforementioned scenario. In fact, it happens to be the home to one of the most unique novelty donut destinations with a chain that’s rapidly on the rise throughout the nation. I’m referring to none other than the famed Fractured Prune.
From its unique, albeit perplexing name to its customized options and original menu specialties, everything about Fractured Prune proves to be one-of-a-kind. That’s why, in recognition of National Donut Day, this Flashback Friday serves to recount the backstory on how Fractured Prune has emerged as a donut dynasty of sorts.
Fractured History
The Fractured Prune franchise began with the first shop’s premiere in Ocean City back in 1976. The establishment was the brainchild of its founder and original owner, Tom Parshall, who, after purchasing Josh’s 46th Street, was looking to open his new venture. In search of a clever and witty name paying tribute to local lore, he set out for the library, where he came across the inspiring account of long-ago local Prunella Shriek.
As the story goes, Prunella Shriek lived in Ocean City in the late 1800s and owned a lot of land. As a perpetually active individual, in more ways than one, she was a professional athlete who often competed in what were traditionally regarded as being male-dominated sports back in the day (skiing, ice skating, tennis, and ping-pong).
Not only was Prunella the only woman competing against men in intense sports, but being in her 70s, she was also significantly older than the other players. As a result, she was often prone to returning from a competition having sustained injuries or broken bones in the process. This earned her the nickname “Fractured Prunella,” from local townsfolk.
Upon reading this, Tom Parshall was both amused and inspired. That’s when he decided to name his new donut shop “The Fractured Prune.”
Growth and Glory
Since its initial founding, Fractured Prune has emerged as a legendary rite of passage among Ocean City must-experience food favorites. They’ve also expanded operations to include many additional locations throughout the community and beyond.
In the succeeding years, the franchise has reached other locations all over the country. Each one operates by the same standout standards, including their claim of featuring 155,648 different combinations, 19 glazes, and 13 toppings.
What Sets Them Apart
You’ll find numerous novelty selections at any Fractured Prune store. Some of their most iconic specialty flavor features include apple pie, black forest, blueberry hill, banana nut bread, caramel kiss, chocolate-covered cherry, strawberry shortcake, morning buzz, lemonade, French toast, funnel cake, monkey buns, carnival, and so many others. The uncontested, hands-down, favorite for many, though, remains their OC sand. This one features a honey glaze with cinnamon and sugar—a tribute to its Ocean City beach origins.
In addition to their profuse array of crafted selections, there is the option to customize and create donuts in-shop. Here you get to choose your glaze, any desired toppings, sugars (powdered, granulated, cinnamon, or brown sugar), and even fillings (Avarian cream, espresso cream, white cream, jelly, or apple).
Another thing that sets Fractured Prune apart is its in-house donut presentation. These morsels come out fresh, hot, and crispy on the outside, soft, light, warm, and moist on the inside. You just have to experience one for yourself! Beware, though. Once you try one, you’ll be automatically hooked and crave countless others.
Information on Fractured Prune locations, menus, and more can be found on the website at www.fracturedprune.com.