[upthesaukee]

The restaurant business is a tiring business, and the folks that owned Karen's in the center of Alton I'm sure just got tired of getting up before the barnyard animals day after day after day. I don't know the folks that own the Main Street Cafe, but breakfasts there are usually pretty full.

I do know the folks that own the Dockside, and they have said for the past few years that they are not in for the long haul (they've already been there) and were/are looking forward to the day they can sell, and relax a little. Whether you're there seven days a week, six days a week, or five days a week, it is a grind and you can get mighty weary.

For a small town, Alton has had quite a restaurant industry, with Dockside, JP China, Alton Bay diner, Shibley's, Shibley's at the Pier, Pop's Clam Bar, Sandy Point, William Tell, Wise Owl, River Run Deli, Main Street Cafe...yes some are seasonal, but still, a lot of dining experience. Not far to go Johnson's in New Durham, or places in Wolfeboro or Gilford/Laconia. Not to mention that Alton Circle and Amylynne's sell prepared food as well. To keep your slice of the pie, you need to be on top of your game whenever you are open, not only have good food but great service, and a nice place to eat. Kind of hard to do each and every day, especially when you are the one over the grill, the burners, and reaching in the oven.

My hat's off to all who feed us and best of luck in the sale of their business and their future.