Dearborn is no stranger to donut shops, with Homies USA recently joining the mix. Inspired by the television show “The Simpsons,” the Canadian-born donut brand opened its first U.S. location in August. Founded by Terry Axiotis, Homies Donuts expanded to Dearborn through co-owners Hassan Medlej and Mohamed Zakaria, who brought the brand to the north side of Michigan Avenue, near South Telegraph Road.

The shop puts a unique spin on traditional donuts, offering a fully halal menu of both sweet and savory creations.

Traditional donuts, including sugar, cinnamon sugar, and glazed, start at $2.50 each. Specialty donuts such as Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Monster, Lemon Crumble, and Choco Dubai start at $3.50 a piece. For those looking for something beyond the usual sweet treat, Homies offers savory donuts, including pepperoni and cheese topped with hot honey, and pistachio pesto. The menu also features Beignewiches, adding even more variety.

Although Homies prices are slightly higher than some traditional donut shops, the size of the donuts may help justify the cost. Axiotis told Now Toronto that the donuts measure nearly “four and a half inches in diameter,” making them roughly twice the size of those sold at Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme.

I bought half a dozen specialty donuts for $20, and their size became quickly apparent. Each donut was so massive that I had to cut it into four pieces, and even a quarter of one was enough for me. The donuts were fresh, with a soft yet dense texture, and customers can watch them being fried fresh in the shop.

Homies USA offers a colorful and welcoming atmosphere. The bright, whimsical interior features arcade games and comfortable seating. The employees are also friendly and approachable, adding to the shop’s inviting feel. Abdul, a Homies employee, explained that the team starts working as early as 3 a.m. to fry and design the donuts. “We at least make over 100 donuts, probably more donuts than that,” he said. From the early morning preparation to creative designs, the team puts considerable time and effort into its products.

Getting your hands on the donuts isn’t always easy. Homies is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until items sell out, meaning later customers may leave empty-handed. While the fresh donuts and unique designs make the shop worth checking out, the limited availability can make planning a visit difficult.

Getting to the shop can also be a hassle, especially during rush hour. Ongoing construction along Michigan Avenue and near the Telegraph Road intersection can cause delays. When I visited Homies at 5:30 p.m. on a weekday, I spent 20 minutes stuck in traffic on Michigan Avenue. The shop is also tucked between a law firm and a small strip of businesses, making the location feel a bit cramped.

If you’re a donut fanatic, Homies USA oversized donuts and creative menu are worth checking out, as long as the traffic doesn’t get in the way.

For more information, visit Homies USA on Instagram @homies_donuts.