Jeri-Lin’s to hold 50-year celebration

Melissa’s Jeri-Lin Donuts, formerly known as Jeri-Lin Donuts, will be celebrating its 50th year anniversary this Saturday.

The celebration will consist of prize drawings for those that purchase a dozen donuts. Those who participate will be able to win a grand prize of a 32-inch TCL Roku television, a 20-inch griddle iron for the second prize and a Belgian waffle maker for the third prize.

Jeri-Lin Donuts was opened back in 1969 by the late Jerry Musser and his wife Linda Musser, who owned the business until September 2017 when ownership was transferred to longtime employee Melissa Grant.

Jerry passed away in 2012 at the age of 75.

He was known for his involvement in the community, and his daily deliveries of free donuts to local charities, businesses, Little League games, families or city offices made him a welcome sight to friends wherever he went.

Also locally famous for playing Santa Claus, which Jerry began more than 20 years ago, he participated in Blytheville's Christmas parade every year, and also made appearances at countless holiday parties and events.

Grant described what half a century of existence means for her and the previous owners of the donut shop.

“Fifty years is a long time and for Linda it means everything to her. I think Jerry would be very happy with the way things turned out if he was here,” said Grant.

Those that were born on August 25, 1969 — which is the exact date of the business’s opening — will be given a free coupon for three dozen donuts with proof of ID.

A coupon for one dozen will be given to those who were born on any day in August of 1969 with proof of ID as well.

Grant recalled some of the many changes that the business has undergone over the past 50 years and for her 24 years of employment there.

“I have seen a lot of changes take place here, from the changes with the high school being an open campus to a closed campus, then the location change. There has been a lot of growth,” said Grant.

The owner also explained some of the plans she has for the future of Melissa’s Jeri-Lin Donuts.

Grant said, “I took over in 2017 and I have been here for almost 25 years now. For the future I am going to continue adding new things to the menu and I just want the business to grow as much as possible.”

Grant added that Jeri-Lin is still here and it will stay here, and that 50 years does not mean the end of a period.

“I hope we are around for another 50 years,” said Grant. “I want to make Jerry and Linda proud.”

Food will also be served for Saturday’s celebration, there will also be other drawings for chances at various donut prizes.