Crowds gather at “Britt’s Donut Shop” as it signals the unofficial start of tourism in Carolina Beach
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY)– For more than half a century, one Carolina Beach landmark has marked the moment locals and visitors alike know warm season has truly arrived.
Generations have lined up– year after year– drawn by tradition and the promise of a coastal experience that never goes out of style.
Warm sunshine and clear skies marked the arrival of spring at Carolina Beach, where long lines formed Friday evening outside the popular “Britt’s Donut Shop”.
“This place here will bring people to the area. Once they get the food, they eat it and go wherever they want. They got night life, they got the beaches, they also they also have fireworks in the summertime, that start every Thursday night,” said Bill Willis, a Carolina Beach Resident.
The shop, which first opened in 1939 and moved to its current location along Carolina Beach Avenue in 1969, has been owned by the Nivens family for more than 50 years. Over the decades, it has built a national reputation and frequently ranks among the top donut shops in the United States.
Mayor Lynn Barbee said the reopening signals the unofficial start of the tourism season.
“It’s become a ritual for us,” Barbee said. “It happens to correlate with spring break for many schools, so you get these large crowds. It’s like the green light has turned on for us for the season.”
Several visitors turned out Friday, with many continuing along the boardwalk to shop at local businesses or spend time on the beach.
Town officials say the influx of visitors comes as Carolina Beach continues work on two major projects: a new public restroom facility on the boardwalk and a beach renourishment effort along the shoreline. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of the month.
The new two-story restroom facility is designed to serve both beachgoers and boardwalk visitors, with access points on different levels.
“We have not had new bathrooms for quite a while,” Barbee said. “We’re really excited for that to open at the end of the month. I think it will be great for tourists.”
Business owners say the increased foot traffic benefits the entire area. Lynn Prusa, manager of Britt’s Donut Shop, said the goal is to support the broader business community.
“There are family members who are shopping the boardwalk and enjoying other things while they’re here,” Prusa said. “We like to see that. We want all the businesses to be successful.”
“Britt’s Donut Shop” will be open on weekends from 8:30 A.M. to 10 P-M.
