Business dinosaurs

The homogenization of America is continuing at a relentless pace. Cookie cutter businesses are everywhere. If you go to Dunkin' Donuts in Cleveland, you'll get the same decor and donut that you'll get in Boston. The same goes for Subway, Dominoes, Burger King and dozens of other businesses that Americans know well. I find myself looking for remnants of a different time. Places that hold fast against the faceless. Places that defy the corporate recipe.

Liquor stores and bars are largely untouched by the advance of business mediocrity. Yes, there are some liquor store and bar chains but most of these businesses remain private. The Friendly Liquor Store in Chicopee Falls Massachusetts has a beautiful facade. Family owned and frequently painted, the facade seems to smile like a friendly jack - o - lantern.

Some of the faithful go to Our Lady of Lourdes for a miracle. Others go to the neighborhood bar

The Fruit Fair is a classic dinosaur. Surrounded by grocery store chains, this mom and pop grocery store hangs on despite all odds. There's nothing special about the place but its customers keep it going.

No more Pepsi at The A-1.

Bird's Drug Store - Florence Massachusetts To hell with CVS

The Rivoli Theater