BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was last call at Twin Donuts in Allston on Sunday, as many locals lined up to say goodbye to the iconic neighborhood spot. “I’ve been coming here close to 50 years,” said one long-time diner. “You get to know everybody that’s been coming here for years.” Twin Donuts, located at the corner of North Beacon and Cambridge Streets, has been serving the community since it first opened its doors in 1955. The massive pink neon sign has since become a well-loved Boston landmark known for its affordable eats.
The closure, which was announced earlier this month, left a significant void in the local community. One emotional patron remarked, “There’s nothing that feels like they will get to know you in the Allston area as much anymore.”
Over the years, Twin Donuts became a cornerstone for local patrons. It was taken over 25 years ago by the Taing family, who immigrated to the Boston area from Cambodia. “It’s been a privilege and honor to serve the community,” they stated, although they have not publicly given the reason for the closure. It's widely understood that the diner’s final chapter comes amid a downturn for small business traffic in the area, a trend that has followed the pandemic.
The diner’s reputation for warmth and affordability resonated deeply with customers. Barry Andres, a regular, reflected on the connections built over time: “To see lovely faces, to see the wonderful couple and their family that owns the place and sit down and have a meal without feeling like you're going to have to skip a grocery bill to afford breakfast out once a week,” he said.
Local musician Evelyn, who lives just across the street from the diner, shared, “For years, Twin Donuts has been my Sunday routine, especially after late-night gigs. We’re all musicians and we often find ourselves hungover on a Sunday morning after a show and the only thing I really want after a show is a double bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant from Twin Donuts and an iced coffee with too much sugar.”
As the community mourns this loss, they also seek to preserve a piece of the diner’s legacy. A petition is circulating, currently gathering around 40 signatures, aimed at saving the iconic Twin Donuts sign. This neon fixture has become a symbol of the area’s culture and history. Andres is among those advocating for its preservation, asserting, “I don't see why anyone would want to take down such a familiar and prominent landmark.”
With its rich history and familiar faces, Twin Donuts has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many in Allston. The loss is not just of a restaurant, but of a gathering place where connections were nurtured and memories made.
Evelyn hopes the sign’s legacy will endure, asserting, “If anything, they should at least put it somewhere, like in a museum.” As the community rallies around the effort to save it, one thing is clear: the impact of Twin Donuts reaches far beyond its walls.
As Boston reflects on this closure, it’s crucial to remember the thread of community and familiarity that places like Twin Donuts weave into the fabric of local life. Each visit was a moment spent in shared experiences, flavorful bites, and a sense of belonging that will be missed.
In the end, while Twin Donuts may have closed its doors, the memories and the community spirit it inspired will continue to resonate within the hearts of Allston residents for years to come.
