When I first moved to Pittsburgh some 15 years ago, you could find little independent bakeries in just about every neighborhood. That's where you'd go when it was your turn to bring treats to the office or to pick up a pie for a cookout. These were unassuming places, with fluorescent lights and a long glass-top case full of the kind of middle American goodies that are just a simple joy in life. But the big donut store chain came to town, and one by one these little shops vanished. Independents are still abundant in the neighborhoods I frequent -- it's not hard to find cupcake shops or specialty bakeries now. But the workmanlike corner bakery came to look like a thing of the past.
That's why I'm so glad this project led me to Dana's Bakery.
It's the real deal. The donuts are the kind that make you want to eat a lot of them. I recommend the basic glazed cake variety, which are soft and light and super fresh. Everything is priced for regular working folks, even artists -- although they would surely taste just as good to the "creative class" types you'll find at the chain shops in Bakery Square, a stone's throw away.
I started with a dozen donuts for the staff at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, who make my work possible. That came in well under ten dollars, so I threw in half a dozen cookies and a couple of fruit turnovers. I'll be back next time I need a pie.
That's why I'm so glad this project led me to Dana's Bakery.
It's the real deal. The donuts are the kind that make you want to eat a lot of them. I recommend the basic glazed cake variety, which are soft and light and super fresh. Everything is priced for regular working folks, even artists -- although they would surely taste just as good to the "creative class" types you'll find at the chain shops in Bakery Square, a stone's throw away.
I started with a dozen donuts for the staff at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, who make my work possible. That came in well under ten dollars, so I threw in half a dozen cookies and a couple of fruit turnovers. I'll be back next time I need a pie.
One Large participant: CL
Name of black-owned business: Dana's Bakery
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Race/ethnicity of participant: Preferred not to answer
