Randy’s Donuts was founded in 1953 in Inglewood by Russell Wendell, a former donut-making machine salesman. We all know the original giant-sized donut sitting on top of the drive-in that’s been featured in movies like  Iron Man 2, 2012, and Mars Attacks. Since then, they have grown to 45 locations globally.

Limited-time holiday donuts are now available throughout December in 3 varieties. The Holiday Bow Donut is topped with a glossy red frosting bow, and the Snowflake Donut is decorated with delicate designs and there’s also a Holiday Sprinkles Donut. 

Plus, from Sunday, Dec.  14, through Monday, Dec. 22, Randy’s will also be offering Hanukkah Rounds, a seasonal offering with sweet raspberry jelly inside and powdered sugar on top.

Shakey’s Pizza Parlor,  a gathering place for families since 1954, will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for its newly remodeled Culver City flagship, in partnership with Culver City-based nonprofit, Starlight Children’s Foundation at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The remodeled parlor combines retro nostalgia with modern updates, including curated 80s music, vintage-inspired décor, a new family-friendly patio, enhanced dining spaces, and the signature menu of pizza, crispy fried chicken, and Mojo Potatoes. The first 50 customers will get free new Shakey’s merchandise.

As part of the celebration, 25% of the proceeds from the opening day will be donated to Starlight Children’s Foundation, which delivers happiness to hospitalized kids and their families.

Randy's Donuts

Shakey’s Pizza, Culver City (Yvette Roman)

The Honey Baked Ham Company has introduced its first new protein in decades, the HoneyBaked Prime Rib. Fully cooked to heat and serve, it’s available in-store only at all locations, while supplies last. Sizes range from three to eight pounds, and meal kits are also offered in two holiday meal options featuring four signature heat-and-serve side dishes.

From Thursday, Dec.  11, through Saturday, Dec. 20, OyBar is hosting its Whole Lotta Latkes event, an eight-night tribute to the traditional potato cake that showcases innovative and globally-inspired takes on latkes.

Each night will feature a special dish created by various LA chefs, each putting their own twist on the cherished dish. Highlights include Aloo Ki Tikki with green chili chutney and tamarind chutney from  Nela Paniz,  French onion korroke, a Japanese potato croquette with truffle crème fraîche from   Dan Rabilwongse, and crispy Japanese sweet potato with dill sauce and smoked trout roe from Daniel Patterson.

Randy's Donuts

Courtesy Krampus’ Cove

The legend of Krampus, the demon anti-Santa, goes back hundreds of years, and the Black Lagoon duo of  Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage pay homage every year with Krampus’ Cove, the holiday pop-up that celebrates the macabre Alpine legend. 

The pop-up will take over Night on Earth now through Sunday, Dec.  28, transforming the bar into a spine-tingling, immersive experience. Think black Christmas trees decorated with doll heads, skeletons, skulls, and fake severed body parts, among other haunting decor. The menu will offer six cocktails, including the Naughty List Negroni, Merry Axe-Mas, and Grinches Need Love, Too. Tickets and more info here. 

What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink