By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara can claim to being the Bay Area’s donut capital.

Randy’s Donuts has opened its first Bay Area location at 2595 Homestead Road. 

Directly across the street is Stan’s Donut Shop, the family-owned Santa Clara institution. They’ve been serving customers since 1959.

That gives donut lovers two celebrated shops within a few steps of each other.

Randy’s marked its grand opening Friday with music, giveaways, free samples and a large inflatable version of the giant rooftop donut that made its original Inglewood location famous.

Hundreds of customers attended the opening.

The Santa Clara shop offers approximately 50 varieties, including traditional glazed donuts and maple bars, along with mango Tajín, matcha and donuts topped with Oreos and Fruity Pebbles.

The franchise is operated by three partners under the name Sweet Rings LLC. The owners hope to open several more Randy’s locations throughout the Bay Area.

The large Santa Clara kitchen could eventually supply those stores. A drive-thru is also expected to open later this year.

But Stan’s wasn’t overshadowed.

Longtime customers turned out in force to support the locally owned shop. Its line was reportedly several times longer than on a typical Friday.

Stan’s has built a loyal following by keeping things simple. Its donuts are made by hand. Customers can see the process through the shop’s front window.

Stan’s is known for its raised glazed donuts, buttermilk donuts, chocolate and maple bars,  and old-fashioned donuts. Its smaller menu focuses largely on traditional favorites.

Randy’s representatives said the Homestead Road location was selected because of its large kitchen and drive-thru potential, not because of its proximity to Stan’s.

The two shops offer distinctly different experiences.

Randy’s brings a famous Southern California brand, an extensive menu and plans for Bay Area expansion.

Stan’s brings nearly seven decades of Santa Clara history, handmade classics and generations of loyal customers.

For donut lovers, there may be no reason to choose.

They can — just cross the street.