There are many places like Harry's across the American landscape, but then again there is only one Harry's Place and it is off Route 2 in Colchester, Connecticut, just outside the main business district of this small New England town.
It has been in operation under a variety of families and partnerships for over 100 years. It is fair to say that when you pull up to buy a hot dog, a hamburger, or something else from the menu of roadside staples, you are not just buying lunch or dinner, you are buying your place in local history, you are buying a trip back in time.
"Two hot dogs, a small order of fries and a small coke, please."
"What do you want on those dogs?
"Sauerkraut, mustard and relish."
The man behind the counter nods a serious nod without smiling as if approving of the classic choice. "Is that what you want on both, or is there another combination you want on the second?"
"No, both the same," I say as I consider whether to switch to some other combination for that second hot dog. Quietly, without betraying my momentary indecision, I stick with my choice. I have been thinking about this lunch since mid-week.
I find a picnic table in the shade. It is one of those hot Connecticut summer Saturdays that provide perfect growing conditions for both geraniums and crabgrass.
There are those who insist you cannot succeed in business without an MBA. There are those who would insist on seeing a business plan before deciding whether your idea is a good one. And then there are those who have an idea and decide to go with it, because they are sure their plan is for the kind of place where they would be the first customer.
They open up and 100 years later the business is still going strong.
A going concern.
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© Dean Pagani 2023