By Amelia McIntosh

“WANNA HURTS DONUT?” The glowing downtown icon inquires in neon against the brick building on Park Central West in downtown Springfield, Mo. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (or 25 hours a day, 8 days a week, according to their Facebook page), you can have your choice of donut at Hurts Donut Company any time you would like.

Despite having been open for just three years as of Nov. 18, Hurts Donut Company has quickly become an icon, not just in Springfield, but in cities across the Midwest including locations in Iowa, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Texas.

Customers are likely intimidated by the abundant selection of donuts that Hurts offers, brightly and colorfully presented in a well-lit display case at the Park Central location; however, employees are willing to advise.

Nathan Larson has been working at Hurts Donut Company for  a year and a half and is more than willing to assist customers in their selection. All donuts here are created equal, but we narrowed down the decision-making process with seven unique donuts.

1. The Homer

   Named after the popular Simpson character, the Homer is a yeast donut covered in pink icing and topped with sprinkles. It’s aptly named, as it perfectly resembles the donuts eaten by Homer Simpson on the popular television show.

2. The Cookie Monster

   This donut also takes after a famous television character. “They’re iconic images,” says Larson when asked why these donuts are so popular. Customers love the Cookie Monster, and not only as the puppet from Sesame Street. A chocolate donut covered in bright blue icing and topped with Oreo cookie crumbles and a pair of eyes makes up this classic favorite.

3. The Fred Flinstone 

   Last but not least of the television-characters-as-donuts is Fred Flinstone. It’s a cake donut with white icing, topped with Fruity Pebbles cereal.

4. The Nutella Donut

   This donut is featured on Buzzfeed’s 33 Doughnuts You Have to Try Before You Die. With its Nutella-filled center and dusting of sugar, it’s no wonder why.

5. Jesús:

   “It’s like our version of a churro, but it’s a donut,” says Larson. Those who’ve never eaten a churro can enjoy this stand-in: a cake donut with a caramel, cinnamon and sugar topping.

6. Butterfinger

   The Butterfinger is one of multiple donuts Hurts offers that is topped with crumbled candy bars. Others include Twix, Peanut Butter Cup, and Andes Mint.

7. Maple Bacon Bar 

   Even if you have not been to Hurts Donut Company, you probably know of the phenomenon known as the Maple Bacon bar. According to Larson, “It’s something that no one else has around here.” For $1 more than the other specialty donuts, a customer can have a 6-inch maple icing glazed, bacon-bit topped donut. “It taste like pancakes and bacon … It’s like a breakfast meal.”