We noticed a simple question posted on Facebook this week — “What would you like to see in Downtown Brunswick?” — and the internet did what it does best: delivered chaos, honesty, nostalgia, and an overwhelming number of donut-related opinions.
After sorting through dozens of comments, a few clear themes emerged. Some surprising. Some hilarious. And some that point to very real gaps in downtown life.
Here’s what the people actually said…
🍩 The Donut Situation (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Let’s get this out of the way: Brunswick wants donuts. Badly.
Krispy Kreme. Dunkin’. Old-fashioned bakeries. French patisseries. Mom-and-pop donut shops. Dessert cafés. Pastries. Pies. Cheesecakes.
Multiple people independently typed some variation of:
“Donut shop.”
“Doughnut bakery.”
“Old-fashioned donut shop.”
“Looks like a donut shop is needed ASAP 😂”
This wasn’t nostalgia — it was a movement. If someone opened a quality bakery downtown tomorrow, it might immediately become the most beloved square footage in the city.
🧒 “Please, Something for Kids (Indoors)”
A close second — maybe even tied — was the call for family and kid-friendly spaces, especially ones that work when it’s 95° or pouring rain.
Common requests:
Children’s museum (this came up a lot)
Play cafés
Skating or roller rinks
Interactive or Montessori-style spaces
After-school programs
An aquarium or local history museum kids could actually touch
One comment summed it up perfectly:
“Something indoors and fun for kids… with the weather we get, an indoor space would be a good hub for families.”
There’s clearly demand for places where parents don’t feel like they’re running out of options after brunch.
🛼 Less Eating, More Doing
A surprising number of people said the same thing in different ways:
Brunswick doesn’t need more restaurants — it needs more experiences.
Ideas included:
Ice skating rinks
Roller skating
Rage rooms
Aerial yoga
Pilates and cycle studios
Dance clubs (including ones for “older adults” who still want to dance)
Paint-your-own pottery
Bungee fitness (yes, really)
The message was clear: people want places that make downtown feel alive, not just full.
🏪 Chains vs. Local: The Downtown Identity Debate
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Plenty of folks asked for big names — Trader Joe’s, Costco, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, Chuy’s, CAVA, Whole Foods, Dutch Bros, Cane’s.
But just as many people jumped in to say:
“Yes… but not downtown.”
Several commenters stressed that downtown’s charm comes from:
Local ownership
Walkability
Quirky, one-off shops
A sense of place you can’t copy-paste
One person nailed it:
“Downtown is special. It’s quaint — let’s keep it that way.”
This tension — convenience vs. character — is probably the biggest question facing downtown’s future.
🏛️ Culture, History & Brunswick Being Brunswick
Beyond food and fitness, a quieter but thoughtful group of commenters focused on identity:
A local history museum (including Native American history)
An art museum
Record stores
Used bookstores with coffee
Antique malls with local vendors
Quilt and needlepoint shops
A restored Ritz Theatre (this one came with strong feelings)
These weren’t flashy requests. They were about preserving and celebrating what makes Brunswick itself.
🧠 The Big Picture Comments
A handful of people zoomed way out:
Mixed-use housing downtown
More walkable, family-friendly living
Weekly First Friday events
Better use of underperforming areas
A modest arena or waterfront amphitheater
These comments didn’t get the most likes — but they might be the most consequential.
So… What Does This Tell Us?
A few things feel undeniable:
• People want places to linger, not just pass through
• Families feel underserved downtown
• Donuts are apparently a civic priority 🍩
• Downtown’s identity matters deeply — even to people who disagree on details
The good news?
Downtown Brunswick isn’t lacking ideas. It’s overflowing with them.
Be honest — which one are you secretly rooting for downtown?
