We were all excited when DD opened up here (North Jersey) in the early ’70s and our local store became one of their largest grossing operations in the northeast. Bulldozed by DOT for a new highway ramp in the mid ’80s, we soon forgot about them, not worth a 20 minute drive to the next DD. Sorry DD, most of us moved on.

In the ’90’s, we all began hearing rumors of what some called the best doughnuts in the land, KK. Finally heard they opened a bakery in Scranton, PA on Moosic St. Well, that’s not too far away, about 115 miles and two hours on the Interstate. I was not prepared for what can truly be described as a near "religious" food experience. How could a doughnut be so light, so sweet, so warm? It was not possible! Six downed in a flash! DD, good as they were, were not even in the same food group.

Brought many home, some for Mom, who also became an instant convert. In her last few years, in her mid-eighties, every couple of months, she’d call and ask what was on the calendar for the next day and I knew what that meant! She thought it might be time for some doughnuts, involving a mini four hour plus road trip I could never say no too. And now that she is gone, those KK’s taste even sweeter, if that is possible.

The chain’s management got greedy and made mistakes, like cold KK’s in every convience store (still better than most store brands) or selling franchises like they were the hot doughnuts themselves, but that does not lessen the quality or experience.

Long live Krispy Kreme!