Brunswick Today Newsletter: Nostalgia and new businesses heading to Brunswick

Jamey Cross, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·2 min read

Hello and welcome to the Brunswick Today newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Jamey Cross.

If you've been reading this newsletter long, you'll know that I'm a proud alum of the University of North Carolina. Like many folks' college experiences, my years in Chapel Hill were some of the most formative years of my life. Sure, I learned a lot and met new people, but perhaps the most life-changing aspect of college was the food. (No, I'm not talking about the campus dining hall; I mostly frequented the sandwich station.)

I grew up in a small town with mostly chain restaurants, few local spots and little variance in cuisine. In Chapel Hill, I gained an overwhelming access to new types of food and cuisines I'd never tried before. Nestled right at the edge of campus, Franklin Street is home to some incredible local restaurants and maybe one-too-many pizza spots. (At least they know their audience: broke college students.)

Now, I won't ever claim a burger changed my life, but only two have come close. One was a burger I had in Hong Kong during a study abroad experience. After weeks of noodles and rice -- while delicious -- I was in desperate need of American food and that burger delivered.

The second was a burger from Al's Burger Shack on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. I could go on and on about that being hands down the best burger I've ever had, and I could say even more about the fries, but it looks like I won't have to. Soon, you'll be able to try it for yourself.

Al's announced this week they're planning a Brunswick County location in, you guessed it, Leland. Our food and dining reporter, Allison Ballard, has the story here.

Here's the latest in Brunswick County news. Thanks for starting your week with us.

Here we grow again

The site that was once destined to be Mirasol, a Mayfaire-like development in Brunswick County, is now nothing but piles of dirt.
The site that was once destined to be Mirasol, a Mayfaire-like development in Brunswick County, is now nothing but piles of dirt.

Part of a Brunswick County property that was once considered for the construction of a Mayfaire-like development is on the market. Here's the latest, plus what we know about why past plans for development never came to fruition.

Philadelphia-based convenience store chain Wawa has an expansive vision for North Carolina, officials announced this week, including plans for 10-15 stores in the Wilmington area. Three of those are planned for Brunswick County. Allison has the details here.

After months of back and forth, Leland has officially approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. To the disappointment of many residents, the budget includes an increase to the property tax rate -- a necessary move, officials say, to facilitate the growth the town is seeing. Here are the details.

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick Today Newsletter