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Business & Tech

Ma's Donuts Was Open Every Day for 18 Years – Until Irene

Ma's Donuts and More was forced to shut down during Hurricane Irene – its first time in 18 years.

on West Main Road in Middletown has been a steadfast beacon for the last 18 years during every storm imaginable.

When the tired and the weary Department of Public Works crews and emergency management teams need a pick-me-up, they know Ma's is always there for them.

It’s been open day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year, and in all that time had never, never, never closed.

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That streak ended Sunday at noon.

As Hurricane Irene barreled north, the electricity went out and Ma’s Donuts went on emergency power, just like it has done so many times before.

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But this time one of the generators failed, leaving only one. That one generator was enough to power the essential refrigeration to keep the perishables from spoiling, but not enough to keep cooking and all the other things needed to keep the store open.

After getting another generator, Ma’s Donuts opened back up at 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to owner Val Leite.

“We’re happy to be open again. Everyone just wanted their coffees,” Leite said with a smile.

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