By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Monday, May 5, 2008 12:00 am
A lingering knee problem has forced Paul Fraser to part with something he loves.
Fraser, owner of Corks Old Fashioned Donuts in Albany, is looking for a buyer to take over the established site. Preferably, one who will continue the traditions Fraser has grown to love.
"I enjoyed it tremendously," said Fraser, who is hoping to sell within the next couple of months. "I just can't do it anymore. The doctor says I can't go back."
Fraser had knee replacement surgery to resolve the chronic problem he has dealt with for many years.
"I'm kind of young to undergo a knee replacement but it was at the point where it was just bone on bone," said Fraser, 50.
He has been unable to work during his recuperation. His doctor indicated working would only grind it down again.
Fraser bought Corks 11 years ago after inquiring about the business during a sales trip.
"I stopped at a lot of donut places in my work," said Fraser, then a coffee salesman. "Corks was special and I asked the owner if it was for sale."
Fraser said he got a call only three weeks later asking him if he was serious.
His knee problems got progressively worse over the years. He underwent two surgeries prior to the replacement.
"I would just get too worn out," he says. " It's come to the point where I have to give it up."
Fraser's wife Michelle has taken over the long hours of preparing fresh donuts for what has become a regular morning clientele.
"She's still there and it's a heavy load. It really hurts to watch her do that," Fraser said.
Finding the right buyer is important to Fraser, who is planning to return to his hometown of Seattle after the sale. He has been calling people who had previously contacted him about the availability of Corks.
"There has been some interest. I hope that whoever gets it will keep up the traditions that I think make it unique," Fraser continued.
He mentioned his customer base as the biggest tradition, particularly the interaction with his morning "regulars".
"I will miss it tremendously. That group is a crack up," he said.
Corks, located at 2555 Santiam, Hwy, produces a variety of fresh donuts and baked goods.
"Baking from scratch is something not everyone can do," emphasized Fraser. "I really got a kick out of that."