Finding Donut 001

Anaheim Hills, California

Visited at dawn

Before the city had fully awakened, I found KD's Donuts along a quiet street in Anaheim Hills, where the soft blue glow of early dawn still lingered. In the crisp morning air, the bright "WE ARE OPEN" neon sign shining through the window quietly welcomed those who were beginning their day before anyone else.

As I opened the door, the warm aroma of freshly made donuts and freshly brewed coffee filled the small space.

Inside the display case were apple fritters, glazed donuts, and classic sugar-coated favorites, neatly arranged and waiting for the morning crowd.

There was nothing extravagant about them, yet each donut carried the feeling of a place that had faithfully prepared the neighborhood's mornings at the same hour, day after day.

On one corner of the counter, a small maneki-neko wearing sunglasses waved its paw.

Behind the counter, the owner greeted customers with a warm smile, the way one welcomes familiar faces from a long-standing community.

After completing my purchase, I noticed a brief message on the register screen.

It was only a simple greeting, but those two words seemed to carry a quiet wish—

a hope that everyone who walked through the door would have a good day ahead.

Finding Donut is not a project about searching for the best donut.

We seek out the small shops that turn on their lights before sunrise, meet the people who keep them running, and observe the everyday lives that unfold around them.

Through the simple window of a donut, we document the ordinary moments that make up America.

KD's Donuts was the first story of this journey.

2026

Fujifilm X-T50

Anaheim Hills, California

Every donut shop tells a story.

Some stories begin with recipes.

Others begin with people.

This one began with light.

Visited at dawn