The origins of Daylight Donuts can be traced back to Tommy and Lucille Day in 1954.

The couple opened a small business in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began producing doughnut mix in the mornings and selling them to shops in the afternoon, mostly out of the trunk of their car.

[1] The couple decided to call this business, "Daylight Donuts Flour Co."[1] Mr. Day, having previously worked in the baking industry, helped a friend, Mr. Durard Pendergraft open a small doughnut shop in Joplin, Missouri on September 22, 1954.

[1] By 1960, the company had grown enough that the Days were able to hire two new employees and also built a 20,000 square foot facility for additional space.

[3][independent source needed] In 2003, the company started its own private label coffee and began selling it to shop owners.