Despite this past weekend’s weather, area businesses are gearing up for the summer season.
 
Loops Homemade Donuts of Wrightsville Beach opened for the 2017 season on March 3, with an expanded selection of doughnuts; organic, free-trade coffee; all-natural smoothies; and ice cream. Loops, now in its third season, is owned by Colby Domnick and located at the front of Robert’s Market at 32 N. Lumina Ave.
 
Domnick said that to better accommodate those looking for a healthy snack while walking the loop, smoothies are now made with 100 percent fresh fruit and veggies, with options such as protein, peanut butter and 2 percent, skim or almond milk. Those who are walking with their dogs are welcome to bring them inside, said Domnick, although they must remain at the front of the store.
 
Coffee is available hot or iced, and Domnick said customers can be on the lookout for an expanded selection of ice cream, doughnut and smoothie flavors as summer draws near. Loops is open Friday through Monday for now, with hours expanding to seven days at the end of April.
 
Britt’s Donut Shop of Carolina Beach, 11 Carolina Beach Ave. N., has announced that the shop will open for the season March 31, serving traditional glazed yeast doughnuts out of the same boardwalk storefront Britt's has operated from since 1939.
 
Bobby Nivens, who purchased the business in 1974, said Britt’s sells more than 200,000 doughnuts each season.
 
Locals know to be prepared for lines on opening weekend, and don’t forget your cash because Britt’s doesn’t accept credit cards. Hours for opening weekend will be 4-10 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
 
The recent drop in temperatures has forced Lewis Farms to push back its opening date from March 17 to March 24. The garden center and ice cream stand will be open, and picked strawberries will be available.
 
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