Denver Business Journal readers named LaMar's "Colorado's best food and beverage brand" after a month-long challenge, besting the likes of Einstein Bros., Qdoba Mexican Grill, Mrs. Fields and Avery Brewing Co.

A ranking on the website MSN.com also placed LaMar's Donuts as the nation's second best in its assessment of "The 9 Best Doughnut Chains in America," giving LaMar's higher marks than donut giants Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Tim Hortons.

Meanwhile, at a time when new donut shops are popping up across Colorado, LaMar's has maintained steady sales growth.

"With the arrival of VooDoo, Dunkin' Donuts and other new competitors, donuts have been top of mind for Coloradoans, which has helped to drive our sales upward," said Temi Osifodunrin, LaMar's spokesman. "Our dedicated customers have remained as loyal as ever while record numbers of new customers are trying out Colorado's gourmet donuts for the first time."

This sales growth is occurring in a state generally not famous for donut consumption. According to a 2012 report by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, donuts were consumed three times more often in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey and five times more often in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio than in Colorado.

"Across all markets we serve, our sales percentages have been up every year for the past seven years," said Osifodunrin. "Coloradans appreciate fresh, high-quality, gourmet product and we're happy that we can continue to deliver that."

In addition to receiving accolades as a top donut chain, LaMar's was also mentioned in New York Magazine's "101 Amazing American Doughnut Shops With Serious Street Cred," rivaling the top mom and pop shops from across the country.

LaMar's Donuts has nine Colorado stores and 17 locations in five additional states. The company anticipates new locations across multiple markets in 2015, including one new Colorado store.