Farewell, and Thank You, Craft Donuts
Craft Donuts and Coffee has closed after four years in business. It’s another one of the small-business casualties of this COVID-19 year. Craft was more than a donut shop. It was a place to gather with family and friends, a place to escape the daily grind, a place to experience new tastes. It was a source for vegan donuts, gluten-free donuts, and custom-crafted coffee drinks. Our walks through town and across the river to Craft became a joyful ritual for Susan and me.
The owners were wonderful neighbors and community partners. They kept going throughout the past 12 months, serving carryout and catering. But this pandemic is relentless and finally, despite loyal customers and innovative offerings, Craft Donut succumbed.
Reports vary, but it’s estimated that up to 800 small businesses a day close due to COVID-19. I’m betting that there are hundreds more that are on the brink, like Craft, until they finally closed.
Small businesses like Craft are the beating heart and soul of our small town and nation. I’ll keep shopping small, ordering take out and doing what I can to help our town’s remaining small businesses stay afloat. And I’ll hope and pray for some light at the end of this long pandemic tunnel.
Craft Donuts and Coffee closed its three locations this week, including our donut destination in West Dundee, Illinois. (Susan and Mike Barzacchini photos)
