Lerman Hangs on for Donut Win

At the conclusion of the eight minute Winchell's World Donut Eating qualifier in Orange County on Saturday, July 10, Ray Meduna had consumed 24 ¼ Winchell's Glazed Donuts to secure third place behind Jammin' Joe LaRue and Don Moses Lerman, each of whom consumed 28 donuts to tie for first. A one-minute eat-off ensued and 6,700 cheering fans watched Don Moses Lerman edge out Jammin Joe LaRue in a tightly contested overtime.

"The minute was up and Joe was barely a second behind with his last bite," said Winchell's record holder Jalapeno Jed Donahue who was on hand as a judge for Saturday's event. "It was a close call, but Don got his 32nd donut in clean and within the minute OT."

Officially, Lerman won Saturday's Winchell's event with 32. LaRue placed second with 31 and ¾ and Meduna delivered a solid third with 24 ¼. For the effort, Lerman secured $500 in prize money, a full travel and lodging package for the championship event, and the prestigious title of Orange County Fair Winchell's World Donut Eating Champion.

The top three finishers were also guaranteed a spot in the Winchell's World Donut Eating Championship, which occurs at the Los Angeles County Fair in September, where $1,500 will go to the winner.

Headquartered in Santa Ana, Winchell's Donut House, "Home of the Warm 'n Fresh Donut"," is the West Coast's largest donut chain with roughly 200 units in 12 states, plus locations in Guam, Saipan, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia. With more than 70 varieties of Warm 'n Fresh" donuts and bakery products, Winchell's offers customers a diverse menu that includes: donuts, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, croissants, brownies and cookies. Winchell's also offers delicious frozen Chillas in four refreshing flavors: mocha cappucino, caramel cappuccino, pina colada and orange.