My parents both grew up in Saugus, a suburb of Boston, and one of our favorite places to go when we're back there for a visit is Kane's Donuts, a little locally-owned coffee and donut shop. It's the sort of place that welcomes you to just sit for hours, catching up with old friends. I don't think the big chains could ever compete with Mom & Pop stores like this one when it comes to atmosphere and friendly service, do you?
I think part of the appeal for us is also that it was around when my parents were kids. It's nice to visit the place where you grew up and see that some of the same small businesses you knew and loved are still around, when so much is changing all the time.
The first photo was taken when we were in Saugus last June. We met some old friends at Kane's for breakfast, took the T into Boston for a day of sightseeing in the North End and along the waterfront, and then went back to Kane's to chat for another hour or so at the end of the day! We really do love it.
Imagine how thrilled we were when MSN named Kane's one of the Ten Best Donut Shops in the Country :D
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24 comments:
No, I don't think big chains compare. I LOVE the character of locally owned and operated business'. It truly saddens me that so many of these places are shutting down right now. It breaks my heart. Great pictures!
What a great K. I couldn't agree with you more about supporting the small local businesses of our communities. We wouldn't be in this mess if we did more of that. How cool that Kane's was chosen as one of the top ten Donut Shops in America. Thanks for sharing and stopping by.
Smiles
Well if I'm ever in Saugus I MUST go to Kane's. You sold me on it! ;-)
What a great place! and, no, none of the big chains could match it. I'm ready to head to Saugus right now! Super post!
Love doughnuts, pity I'm thousands of miles away.
It's nice to see that there are still locally-owned stores around. I'll bet the doughnuts are delish.
I'm with you. My town of 22,000 has 6 chain coffee/doughnut shops (Tim Hortons) and one locally owned Fair trade/environmentally aware...awesome coffee shop...called Brewed Awakeneing. The local one has my vote, hands down.
Fun photos...we have a Mom & Pop donut shop and I love it...I like the photo with the mug reflection ...
Thanks for your comments. I was born in Dallas and lived there for a lot years, went back again later and lived in Richardson. My oldest son lives in Garland, he's a graphics designer for Fossil. The world sure gets a lot smaller once you start blogging, doesn't it?
Nice post! I'm always fond of the smaller places! A doughnut sounds good right now, too!
Life with Kaishon, it really is heartbreaking how the small businesses are the first to go.
Carolyn, it's at least very encouraging to hear from other bloggers like you who prefer to support small businesses too :)
EG Tour Guide, maybe it's time for a trip! ;)
Joy, we could trade places if you want! :D Technically I am thousands of miles from Saugus too, though.
Janie, their donuts are delish. What they are particularly famous for though is their giant cinnamon roll! Yum!
gone to the dogs, I have actually seen Tim Horton's in quite a few places in the US now. I have never been to one though. I love the name 'Brewed Awakening,' very clever :)
Thanks, Carol! I am partial to reflections myself..
Sylvia, it is a very small world!! I am actually living and working in Richardson right now. You are pretty far from home now.. yours is one of the few states that I have never visited, but I so want to.
Tumblewords, thank you! I could go for one too now after reading all these comments..
Great "K" photo! I can almost smell the unmistakable fragrance of doughnuts wafting through the place. Nothing like it!
Yummy and great photos of course ;-)
Oh, did you know that the univers is appartently shaped like a doughnut?
universe
apparently (duh)
NOTHING better than the Mom and Pop shops - especially the ones that have been around long enough to become icons. I love looking for these kinds of places when I'm travelling.
The little local places are hard to beat. It can be difficult to reliably find a good one when you are away from home--I think that is why we sometimes fall back on the chains for consistency.
Pat, thanks for the reminder - it's been so long since I was in a donut shop that I didn't even think of the smell :)
Carolina, I did not know that! It sounds vaguely familiar though, like maybe I did hear it once before? Okay, I'm off to Google now..
Karyn and Katney, you both have good points. It's so fun to visit places like this while traveling.. it makes me feel like I'm getting more of a taste of the local culture. On the other hand, it's really tough to know which places are any good if you're not from the area and you don't have any recommendations. A chain may not be as exciting, but at least you always know what you're getting.
Donuts are my VERY favorite thing in the entire universe...ummmmm...dooooooonuuuuuuuttttsssss...
Very great K word! It must be a very nice place. Your right about small shops. They are friendlier than big department stores and the service is better. Thanks for your visit!
Mel, when I get my hands on a good one, I have to say that they are one of my very favorite things in the universe, too. I'm really craving one right now..
Wil, thank you. I always enjoy a visit to your blog :)
So sorry I haven't managed to comment much but I do appreciate your contribution. Thanks so much.
mrs nesbitt, I'm sure it's busy trying to stay on top of all your ABCers every week! We all appreciate your meme, so thank you :)
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