Letter: "Buy local, Kennebunk" (Printed Dec. 4, 2009)
To the editor:
I wanted to publicly thank all the many local business owners that make Kennebunk such an incredible place to live and shop. While there is certainly a place for large corporate retail, it is important to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have so many local, customer-oriented establishments. These folks are our neighbors, soccer coaches, church-mates and PTA volunteers. Some may even have rescued you from a fire or car accident. Here are just a few, of many, examples.
Garden Street Market – A few months ago I was seeking gift card donations for a charitable event and approached Stop & Shop. I was summarily handed an “Application for Charitable Grant” which had to be sent to corporate headquarters for review. I then went to Garden Street Market. Two minutes later, owner Dan Bowen simply said “sure I’d love to help. How many do you need?”
Duffy’s – Does it offer elegant, “fine dinning?” No. Does it offer great food, terrific fellowship, and the best customer service ever? You bet! If you can’t find your friends, go down to Duffy’s, as they are probably there. And if not, that’s OK, as you are sure to make new a one in owner David “Duffy” Cluff.
Toddle Inn – If you are a parent of a young child you probably already know what an amazing organization this is. Toddle Inn provides incredible child care and teaching for more than 100 families in Kennebunk. When Stop & Shop closed, owner Kathie Murphy offered free daycare to any displaced worker in need. Free daycare? Unheard of, and she did it without fanfare. Her desire was simply to help those local families in need.
Perfecto’s Caffe - Who opens a new business during the “great recession” while so many other businesses are closing down? Well, it appears owner Dave Rizzo does. And judging by the long lines and full tables, he has made a hit. Go Dave go – and save me one of those everything bagels!
No I am not a shill for these establishments – but I do patronize them. I could easily go on about many other businesses. These were just a few examples of what makes shopping, and living, in Kennebunk so special. However what is special is also fragile. Without continued support and patronage, local businesses are in jeopardy. Most of us have seen what all the chain stores and fast food restaurants on Route 302 in Windham look like. And all of us have seen what the now-abandoned property on Route 1 in Kennebunk looks like. What are you doing to make sure Kennebunk thrives?
Matt Fadiman
Kennebunk
I wanted to publicly thank all the many local business owners that make Kennebunk such an incredible place to live and shop. While there is certainly a place for large corporate retail, it is important to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have so many local, customer-oriented establishments. These folks are our neighbors, soccer coaches, church-mates and PTA volunteers. Some may even have rescued you from a fire or car accident. Here are just a few, of many, examples.
Garden Street Market – A few months ago I was seeking gift card donations for a charitable event and approached Stop & Shop. I was summarily handed an “Application for Charitable Grant” which had to be sent to corporate headquarters for review. I then went to Garden Street Market. Two minutes later, owner Dan Bowen simply said “sure I’d love to help. How many do you need?”
Duffy’s – Does it offer elegant, “fine dinning?” No. Does it offer great food, terrific fellowship, and the best customer service ever? You bet! If you can’t find your friends, go down to Duffy’s, as they are probably there. And if not, that’s OK, as you are sure to make new a one in owner David “Duffy” Cluff.
Toddle Inn – If you are a parent of a young child you probably already know what an amazing organization this is. Toddle Inn provides incredible child care and teaching for more than 100 families in Kennebunk. When Stop & Shop closed, owner Kathie Murphy offered free daycare to any displaced worker in need. Free daycare? Unheard of, and she did it without fanfare. Her desire was simply to help those local families in need.
Perfecto’s Caffe - Who opens a new business during the “great recession” while so many other businesses are closing down? Well, it appears owner Dave Rizzo does. And judging by the long lines and full tables, he has made a hit. Go Dave go – and save me one of those everything bagels!
No I am not a shill for these establishments – but I do patronize them. I could easily go on about many other businesses. These were just a few examples of what makes shopping, and living, in Kennebunk so special. However what is special is also fragile. Without continued support and patronage, local businesses are in jeopardy. Most of us have seen what all the chain stores and fast food restaurants on Route 302 in Windham look like. And all of us have seen what the now-abandoned property on Route 1 in Kennebunk looks like. What are you doing to make sure Kennebunk thrives?
Matt Fadiman
Kennebunk
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