Written by: Chantelle Muise
Just inside the Dufferin gates, off of the Go train line, you will come across a little blue stand that has been at the fair for generations. Tiny Tom Donuts (www.tinytomdonuts.ca) has been a CNE staple for over 50 years. In 1959 a gentleman from New York State rented a booth in the Food Building where he sold little donuts made hot and fresh and the best part was you could watch them as they were made. Just down from him was a regular sized donut stand run by a man named Ron Brazier. He noticed how popular the little Tom Thumb (original name) Donuts were, that by the end of the CNE that year – he bought up all the machines from the New Yorker.
In 2009 Tiny Tom Donuts celebrated their 50th year at the EX, and in 2012 there were recognized as CNE BEST CONCESSION! I got to thinking that these tasty little morsels should have their very own blog dedicated to them and who better than to ask a few questions than the man himself Tom Brazier (son of Ron who bought out the company in the 70’s from his cousin). He kindly gave me an email interview…
ME – In 2009 Tiny Tom’s celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the CNE – what has been your best CNE memory in the last 50 years?
TOM – I have had so many wonderful memories but perhaps my best was being able to celebrate the 50th alongside my 2 sons and their wives. All are involved in the business and my dream is that this business would carry on for another 50 years.
ME – I can imagine your father is so proud – how did it feel to be declared as the Best CNE Concession in 2012?
TOM – That was totally unexpected. To be judged Best Food Concession for 2012 by the CNE is a tremendous honour and a deserving tribute to my managers and employees who made it happen.
ME – The world is changing all around us – what, if any, major changes has Tiny Tom’s made in the last 10 years.
TOM – Three years ago Tiny Tom opened a year-round store at 7323 Woodbine Avenue in Markham. We are open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The store is the manufacturing facility for our catering operation that has been developed in the last couple of years. We now cater special events such as weddings, corporate celebrations, bar and bat mitzvahs.
ME - My Mother’s tradition, as I believe is many mothers’, was to always grab that bag of tiny Tom’s as we headed towards the Go train on our way home – what would you say is the reason that keeps people coming back to Tiny Tom’s?
TOM – People tell me that attending the CNE is a tradition and that Tiny Tom Donuts has become a big part of that tradition. I’m lucky that people think of me in that way. It has been a wonderful business to be associated with because people get excited watching the donuts being made and then enjoy devouring a dozen “hot and fresh” donuts.
ME – I have to ask, as I know I would – do you have a Tiny Tom’s Donut Machine in your own home?
TOM – No I don’t have a machine in my own home, but with our catering division equipment, that would be an easy thing to do.
ME – And, lastly, do you ever get sick of Donuts?
I still really enjoy them and I tell people that I am doing research and development with every donut that I eat….and that’s a lot of research.
I want to thank Tom Brazier for answering my questions! I also want to thank Tiny Tom Donuts for helping me have memories with my Mom and making that ride home from the CNE always so enjoyable. My favourite are the Cinnamon – what’s your Favourite?
See You at the CNE!