A Gilbert teen and a Mesa man are the winners of Bashas’ ninth-annual Donut Flavor Craze contest.

Their creations will appear in the stores' bakery cases in time for Friday’s National Donut Day on June 7.

This year’s theme was pop culture, and entries covered such icons as Prince, Jimmy Buffett, Star Wars and Pac-Man.

The winners had a more classic take.

Brian Vehon of Mesa won in the adult category with his submission of “What’s Up, Doc?” The Bugs Bunny-inspired doughnut features a light cream cheese frosting with carrot cake crumbles on top.

The other winner from Gilbert’s Elizabeth B., 17, is called “Pot of Honey” and was inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh. It features crumbled Nilla wafters and a drizzle of honey on top, with two Nilla cookies placed on top of the doughnut for ears.

The two winning doughnuts will be available for purchase in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state.

When customers purchase a dozen doughnuts at Bashas’ on June 7, they will receive an additional six for free.

Bashas’ will also donate 10% of its Friday doughnut sales to The Salvation Army, which established National Donut Day in June 1938 to honor volunteers who served the sweet treats to soldiers.

In addition to being named Bashas’ Official Donut Ambassadors for 2024, the winners will each receive one dozen doughnuts every month for a year from Bashas’ bakery, and $500 worth of prizes, including a Bashas’ gift card.

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