Vancouver International Airport (YVR) celebrated the opening of a new airport outpost of Lee’s Donuts, a Vancouver-based mom-and-pop bakery founded in 1979. The new YVR Lee’s Donuts, located near Gate B14, will be operated by WH Smith North America and will also feature products from LICK Candy.
Thursday’s opening celebrations included appearances by Lee’s Donuts owners Allan and Celine Bacani; WH Smith North America’s vice president of airport operations Mary Beth Hawthorne and divisional vice president of business development Alea LaRocque; YVR’s director of passenger retail experience Benedict Ma and manager of indigenous relations Morgan Guerin; and Lee’s Donuts mascot Johnny Glaze.
“We are excited to welcome Lee’s Donuts to YVR, providing yet another favorite eatery for our travelers. Lee’s Donuts is a perfect addition to the outstanding options available to passengers – especially those looking for a sweet treat before boarding,” said Ma. “This partnership supports our goal to bring beloved local businesses into the terminal, showcasing the best of Vancouver’s food scene at YVR.” Lee’s Donuts is the 14th local brand to open at YVR since 2022.
“With our mission to deliver dynamic and hyperlocal concepts to our airport partners across the continent, Lee’s Donuts stood out to us as the perfect representation of Vancouver and a natural choice for partnership,” added Toby Keir, CEO of WH Smith North America. “Expanding our presence in Canada has been one of our company’s largest accomplishments in 2024, and we are thankful to the team at Vancouver International Airport for the opportunity to continue this growth.”
