Thomas Donut & Snack Shop and Thomas’ Pizzas & Cream

Thomas Donut & Snack Shop is about a 15 minute walk from The Beach Break or around 5 minutes by car. We usually recommend walking. You start on the quiet residential streets of Laguna Beach, surrounded by beach houses, palms and the relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. As you get closer to Front Beach Road, the Gulf comes into view and the last part of the walk takes you right along the beach. It is an especially nice walk early in the morning or later in the day when the sun starts to go down.

Donuts and breakfast are served daily from 6 AM to 3 PM. Pizza, wings, beer and ice cream are available from 11 AM to 8 PM. There is outdoor seating with views of the Gulf, and you can also order food to go. Pizza is available for pickup and delivery.

Thomas has been a local favorite for years, and it is one of our favorites too. We stop here on almost every trip to The Beach Break. It works just as well for an early breakfast before the beach as it does for pizza, wings and a beer later in the day. During the busy season, especially in the morning, there can be a line, but we think it is well worth the wait.

What to Get for Breakfast

If it is your first morning at Thomas, there is one useful thing to know before you order. Thomas has two neighboring walk up counters. The original Donut & Snack Shop side is where you get donuts, breakfast sandwiches and other morning favorites. The other side is for pizza, ice cream and later meals.

For a full breakfast, we recommend a fresh biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese and either applewood bacon or smoked sausage. Thomas also serves biscuits and gravy, grits and cheese grits if you want something more traditional and filling.

If you want something easy to take with you, try one of the kolaches. They come with fillings such as smoked sausage and cheese, ham and cheese, jalapeño smoked sausage and cheese, and smoked brisket with cheddar.

And of course, do not leave without trying the donuts. Key Lime is one of the most popular choices and feels especially right in Florida. Apple fritters, cinnamon twists and filled donuts are also worth trying. The filled selection often includes raspberry, blueberry, lemon, custard, peaches and cream, banana cream and Key Lime.

For drinks, coffee is the obvious breakfast choice, and iced coffee or cold brew work especially well if you are heading straight to the beach.

Take Breakfast to the Beach

Thomas is right across Front Beach Road from the Gulf, so you have two good options. You can eat outside at the picnic tables and enjoy the view, or take breakfast across the road and eat on the beach.

If you are planning to stay by the water for a while, biscuit sandwiches, kolaches and donuts are the easiest things to carry. Grab coffee, pick up breakfast and you are already in the perfect place to start the morning by the Gulf.

What to Order for Dinner

For dinner, we usually order pizza, smoked wings and a couple of cold beers. It is one of our favorite combinations at Thomas and exactly the kind of food that works after a long beach day.

If you want to try something a little different, go for the Dill Me In pizza with ranch sauce, mozzarella, dill pickles, fresh dill and a touch of hot sauce. Super Pepperoni is a great choice for a group, while Let’s Meat at the Beach is a good option if you want something more filling.

Do not skip the smoked wings. We almost always get them with our pizza, and they are especially good with a cold beer.

For dessert, we usually go for a milkshake. Thomas also has hand dipped ice cream and floats, but the milkshakes are one of our favorites.

If this sounds like your kind of Panama City Beach day, come stay at The Beach Break. Check your dates, book your trip, and enjoy having the beach and local favorites like Thomas close by.