Since 1989
Our Story
Sesame Donuts has been a Rancho Carmel staple for more than three decades — a small Mom & Pop shop tucked just steps from a much larger chain, quietly winning hearts one box at a time.
Founded in 1989 by Mr. Chin Kim and Jenny Kim, Sesame Donuts grew up alongside the neighborhood. For more than thirty years, the Kims rose before sunrise to glaze, fry and frost — and, just as importantly, to greet every regular by name.
When the Kims retired (much deserved!), the shop passed into the hands of Rubi and Cornelio Yenez. The recipes, the early mornings, and the warmth at the counter all stayed exactly the same. Sunday church orders still go out boxed and ready by 8 AM. Office mornings still get a smile and a freshly brewed coffee. And the donuts — fluffy, hand-glazed, never a day old — still earn 4.6 stars across more than 800 Yelp reviews.
We're proud to be a family-run shop in a world of chains. Every donut you pick up here was made by someone who lives in this community, for the people who live in it.
What guests are saying
"I still love them! For many years our church has enjoyed these delicious donuts after our service. The new owners have our order boxed and ready for early Sunday morning pickup — about 4½ boxes of assorted yummy donuts and donut holes. Let's all support this Mom & Pop store — we need more family-run businesses like Sesame Donuts."
"None compare to this small Mom and Pop shop. The owners take such good care of every customer — and the donuts are consistently fresh and delicious. The vanilla crème is so fluffy it almost melts."
"Our Sunday tradition. Show up at 6 AM and the smell hits you the second the door opens. The maple bars are unreal and the donut holes are gone before we even get back to the car."
"I will happily drive past the big chain donut shop next door to come here. Friendlier service, better donuts, and a 99/100 health score. The strawberry cream cheese croissant is a hidden gem."