Allie's Donuts, located on Quaker Lane, is a Rhode Island landmark. Started by Allie Briggs, Allie's Donuts has been providing local residents, tourists and seasonal beach-goers with donuts and sweet treats since 1968.
Allie's is now owned and operated by Allie's daughter, Anne Drescher, and her husband, Bud. Anne and Bud purchased the business in 1986 to allow Allie to retire after almost two decades in the donut shop.
A morning visit to Allie's will showcase Anne and Bud working side-by-side on the production tables. As Bud rolls out dough and mans the fryolaters, Anne is busy mixing, frosting and decorating. Along with a seasoned team of kitchen personnel, the Allie's team seamlessly moves from one station to another, creating and propelling their special gift of fresh donuts and pastry toward the counter crew. Without missing a beat, each calls out to customers who arrive, ever mindful of the importance of maintaining contact with those who stop to share in the Allie's experience.
One of seven siblings, Anne is quick to give credence to all who have contributed and worked in the family business. Whether it be her sister, Val, who mans the office, nieces and nephews working their way through college, or a host of employees who call Allie's home and consider the Dreschers and Briggs family, Anne is quick to give credit to her staff. A small business employer of 20 to 32 employees, depending on the season, Anne states, "it doesn't matter how long they are here, we are all family."
At Allie's, the scents of fresh donuts and coffee permeate your senses. Trays of donuts line the shelves behind the counter. Fruit squares are cut, turnovers replenished and novelty donuts are displayed. Coffee is made to order by the counter staff. Allie's customers come inside to enjoy the warm atmosphere and nostalgia of an old-fashioned donut shop. Speaking in terms of business and competition, Bud says, "The most difficult thing and most important is to keep it just as it was 42 years ago."
Owned and operated by Paul Sousa, a RISD graduate in Bakery & Culinary Arts, The Cake Gallery has been in business on Hope Street in downtown Bristol since 1991. The Cake Gallery has been making creative wedding cakes and much more for the community. From butter cream to white chiffon, to chocolate cake with Chocolate mousse there are so many combinations to choose from. Call for an appointment and sample and choose your wedding cake. Walk by the beautiful shop and sample some of the fine deserts while sitting street side and watching the people go past.
