New donut outlet at YVR offers a “dynamic and hyperlocal concept”

WH Smith North America (WHSNA) has partnered with local-favourite brand, Lee’s Donuts, to open a new location at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Lee’s Donuts is a mom-and-pop shop developed by founders Alan and Betty-Ann Lee in 1979. The original shop opened in Granville Island Public Market and has since expanded to several other locations around the area, now including the shop at YVR.

All images courtesy of Camilla Topola.

The brand is known across the Metro Vancouver region for providing a fast, friendly and familiar customer experience, in addition to the delicious donut creations handmade fresh daily.

Lee’s Donuts at YVR also features an array of favourite sweet treats from LICK Candy. The opening of this store marks the company’s sixth location in the Metro Vancouver region.

“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,” said 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.”

On Wednesday, September 5, YVR hosted a grand opening celebration to welcome Lee’s Donuts to the airport as its newest vendor. Lee’s Donut mascot, Johnny Glaze, made a special appearance at the grand opening, posing for photos with guests and interacting with travellers.

Johnny Glaze was joined by owners of Lee’s Donuts, Allan and Celine Bacani, and representatives from WH Smith North America, including vice president of airport operations, Mary Beth Hawthorne, and divisional vice president of business development, Alea LaRocque.

Director of Passenger Retail Experience with YVR, Benedict Ma, and the airport’s Manager of Indigenous Relations, Morgan Guerin, shared a few words with crowd at the event.

“We are excited to welcome Lee’s Donuts to YVR, providing yet another favourite eatery for our travellers,” noted Ma.

“Lee’s Donuts is a perfect addition to the outstanding options available to passengers – especially those looking for a sweet treat before boarding. This partnership supports our goal to bring beloved local businesses into the terminal, showcasing the best of Vancouver’s food scene at YVR.”

WH Smith North America’s portfolio in Vancouver includes brands like Flight Stop, LICK, Marshall Rousso, Tentree and more, now with a total of seven stores inside the airport. The company has also recently expanded its Canadian presence with store openings in both Calgary and Edmonton.