In 1922, a small coffee shop and bakery owner, using a modified calumet baking powder can as a doughnut cutter, inspired the first type “A” sanitary doughnut machine designed by Thomas and Walter Belshaw.  In 1956, the Belshaw Brothers developed the multi-matic cutter head for multiple cuttings for use in continuous frying.  They went on to design 26 models of machinery with hundreds of variations.  During his career, Thomas Belshaw was awarded nine U.S. patents related to doughnut making and baking equipment.

As an industry leader, Tom received the BEMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.  He served as Chairman of the International Baking Industry Exposition in 1985 and President of BEMA from 1970 to 1972.  He co-founded the Belshaw-Loeb Scholarship in 1984 providing financial assistance to 48 students attending the American Institute of Baking.

Click on the images below to view .pdf files of the inductee’s biography and plaque.