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I was sad to read that Sarasota native Evelyn Craft, long-time proprietor of the 'diner-style' restaurant King Kone once located on the northeast corner of State St. and Lemon Ave., passed away on December 5^th, and with Dad scheduled to have hip surgery on the 21^st, I thought it would be a good opportunity to give my parents a respite from their blogging duties and acknowledge Evelyn.

My sister, Pam McLeod, and I grew up in downtown Sarasota. Our daily schedule consisted of going to school and then biking to and working for our parents at Sarasota Cycle and Key Shop. And like other children of small business owners on State Street (the Downs, Drapers, and the Housers come to mind), our lives were framed by the people in this very little, quaint and tight-knit community where everyone knew everyone, and most importantly looked out for one another. And Evelyn looked out for us.

Evelyn was a central figure in our lives on State Street. We ate at King Kone often and Evelyn always greeted me at the counter – leaning over, grabbing my hands, bringing them together and giving them several very firm ‘love pats’ and a huge smile. “Hello Kenny!” she’d say.  I felt welcomed by Evelyn.  She always engaged me in conversation about my life- “How’s school?” “Are you studying hard?” “Makin’ good grades?” Her cheese burgers were the best. And her milkshakes were amazing.  But as good as the food was there, it was Evelyn who made the experience. If she and King Kone were still around today, they’d certainly be featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

At the age of 20, I was accepted to travel for a year in the international music group, Up With People. In an effort to help me raise money for my travels, Evelyn agreed to sell homemade oatmeal cookies that I baked daily. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but now, as an adult I can only imagine the small margin on which King Kone operated. And by selling my cookies and asking nothing in return, she was certainly undercutting her own dessert sales.  She did this proudly because she wanted to see me succeed. And she wanted to be part of it. And I did; and she was. And for that I thank her.

Life was/is good!