Sugar shacks dotting Rhode Island's landscape by the dozens are primarily large chain franchises. Dunkin Donuts, the undisputed doughnut dynasty boasts at least 124 stores inside Rhody's borders on downtown streets, strip malls, interstate exits, supermarkets, and gas stations. The arrival of the state's first Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Cranston, 2003, might have raised cane, but the franchise soon took a powder in deference to Dunkin, the duke of doughnuts. Bess Eaton Donuts, Sip & Dip Donuts (Tiverton and Warren), and Tim Hortons conclude the major players of confection.
Of all the sugar shacks in Rhode Island, why would you walk into Allie's Donuts? Located at 3661 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown, on the old Rte. 1 parallel to Interstate 95, Allie's might have easily been forgotten and joined the ranks of boarded up American icons. However, year round word-of-mouth sweet talk and beachgoers diving for doughnuts before hitting the grainy sand have made Allie's the doughnuts-to-dive-for. Established in 1968, current estimates indicate this low key ramshackle building-a small store front with an addition for the kitchen-earned annual revenue of to .5 million.
One of Allie's customers, I can attest to its popularity as the state's premier doughnut shop off the primary primrose path. I've waited in one of the long lines extending to two separate counters in the small waiting area to place an order before heading to the beach-all the better to get a panoramic view of the sinkers. What variety! Sugar-dusted, honey-dipped, glazed, coconut sprinkled, and frosted; plain with assorted icings and jimmies; crullers, jelly sticks, cinnamon sticks all behemoth sized.
As there is no available seating inside Allie's, and the few outdoor picnic tables cannot possibly accommodate all of the doughnut cruisers who patronize this establishment, it's bagged or boxed Rhode fill to go. Of course, there's always the dining car at rest or in motion to munch a bunch before you arrive at your destination. Of all the sugar shacks in doughnut dominated Rhode Island, walk into Allie's Donuts for a sticky situation you won't regret.
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