DeWeese featured in book ‘The Donut Man’

Gibson’s is hands down the most famous doughnut shop in Memphis. On any given Saturday or Sunday, the line of folks waiting to pick up a box of tasty doughnuts snakes out the door.

Family memories have been made there, with kids who grew up going there for a treat with their parents now taking their own children.

This humble little doughnut shop — which according to Dawn Foods is the largest single owner/single location doughnut shop in America based on its weekly purchases — has garnered national attention. Celebrities — including Food Network star Alton Brown who enthusiastically named it as his favorite doughnut for the show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” — make regular visits when in town.

Since Lowell Gibson opened the shop at its current location at 760 Mt. Moriah in 1967, Gibson's has been a popular doughnut destination for Memphians. 

But Philadelphia native Don DeWeese, known affectionately by many as “The Donut Man,” made Gibson’s what it is today. He is the son of the late Edwin and Jeanne DeWeese of Philadelphia.

A new book all about the man behind this Memphis institution is now available. “The Donut Man” was officially released on Thanksgiving Day.

DeWeese said he thought author Steve Williford was joking when he approached him about the idea. Williford, who has authored more than 50 books, had to come back three times before DeWeese agreed to the project. For months, the two would get together for a weekly interview to discuss DeWeese’s life and the shop.

The 176-page book with color photographs throughout features stories about DeWeese's life and his family. His close friends and dozens of Gibson’s regulars are featured.

“I interviewed close to 50 people,” Williford said. 

The book is full of humorous and touching stories from over the years. Most are told in first person by DeWeese, while others shared by friends, family and customers. It's an insider's look into the life of the person behind one of Memphis' most iconic businesses.

Stories and memories from well-known Memphians — ranging from Dave Brown to Jerry “The King” Lawler to John Calipari — are featured.  Stories about how DeWeese helped Lawler get a suit for a mayoral debate or how FedEx founder Fred Smith sometimes disguises himself when he comes in so that DeWeese doesn’t try to give him doughnuts for free show the generosity of the proprietor.  Even celebrities like Wynonna Judd contributed to the book, sharing her own personal stories about her friendship with DeWeese.

Williford said he was amazed how many friends DeWeese  had who wanted to be part of the book.  “Don is the connector,” he said. “He doesn’t care where you are from. All of his friends feel like they are his very best friend.”

The book illustrates what regular customers know — Gibson’s is a gathering spot. From the “Old Regular’s Table” that is filled daily at 9 a.m. by people who have stopped by for a doughnut, coffee and good conversation daily for decades to a look at the diverse cross-section of Memphians in line on any given day, Gibson’s is like “coming home” said Williford.

A visit to Gibson's is always a memorable event, but even more so when DeWeese is there welcoming guests — and sometimes even throwing free doughnuts to those in line. His smile and friendliness are infectious, making every visit to Gibson's a happy experience.

One of the "Thoughts on Success" DeWeese shares in the book is, "People skills are essential. In order to be successful, you need to be able to talk to a lawyer, a doctor, a policeman or a farmer. And you have to make them just as comfortable." This is a skill any one who has met DeWeese will say that he has mastered.

DeWeese is humble when he talks about the book. He kept the book secret until the very end, not telling friends or family members about it until it was time for their interview. “I have been shocked and honored by how people have reacted. We have had far better response than I ever dreamed,” said DeWeese, adding they sold more than 300 books in the first week.

The book retails for $20 at Gibson’s. Signed copies are available in the shop's retail display case, and personalized copies can be requested by calling the shop. DeWeese will also sign and mail copies nationwide for an additional $10. The book will be available on Amazon for $35 later this month. [DeWeese said Neshoba County residents may call the store at (901) 682-8200 and order a personalized signed book or signed copies are available at Kademi downtown.]

“I am living a dream,” said DeWeese on his life. As he excused himself from the interview to go greet a regular customer stopping by to have a book signed, he added, “How many people have had a book written about them?”

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.