Counter Point

“The regulars sit at the counter. They come in between 8:00 and 9:00, and they talk about politics and things in town. The good old boys. Sometimes you get involved in the talking, but when it comes to politics, I try not to say too much. They all have a lot to say!”

“People have their routines. Some come and want to order right away. On Fridays, certain people come in because they want our molasses doughnuts. We have one sweet couple–when they come in, we know immediately: two waters, two coffees, two pieces of custard pie. Sometimes they have soup; other times they have a sandwich. But you can pretty much put your check in and print it out because you know you have everything. And every time you bring the custard pie, they’re like, ‘Oh, goody.’ They just love that custard pie.”

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the executive editor at Yankee, where he has worked for more for two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

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