Britt's Donuts, Carolina Beach, N.C.-- Part 3: A History

H.L. Britt opened the shop in 1939 just across the boardwalk from its present-day (since 1969) location.  Current owner Bobby Nivens worked for Mr. Britt (from Goldsboro, N.C.) during the summers of '54-'56.  In 1974, Bobby and his wife Maxine purchased the place.

At the time, he thought maybe there'd be a Britt's in every town in the country.  But working seven days a week from Memorial to Labor Day soon changed his mind.

They have 12 employees, many of whom have been with them many years.  All of them, when we were there in July were, at one time or another, deep into cell-phone gazing.

Kevin Lawrie has been with them for 23 years.    The  Nivens'  daughters are also working at the place.

And, they run the place pretty much like Britt did and continue to use almost all of the original equipment.  Says Bobby, "I try not to change anything that I don't have to."  That especially applies to H.L. Britt's doughnut recipe.  Britt bought it from somebody back in the 1930s and it is, of course, a closely guarded secret.  Only Maxine and Booby know it.

 Three Donuts for Me.  --RoadDog