Brothers Donuts’ Signage Dispute Sparks Community Support.
Franklin, NH — Brothers Donut, a beloved fixture on Central Street in Franklin, is currently facing a significant hurdle with its signage. The longstanding bakery, which often closes before many residents can visit, has been challenged by city officials over its new window decals showcasing its offerings.
Owner Malverino Rizzo had hoped the decals, featuring images of donuts and muffins, would attract attention from passersby after hours. However, city officials flagged these signs for not adhering to the city’s historic downtown color palette and signage requirements.
The decals depict colorful donuts, including a strawberry sprinkle donut and a cinnamon toast crunch donut, which did not meet the city’s standards. This discrepancy prompted a Heritage Commission meeting at the Franklin Public Library, where Rizzo defended the decals and garnered significant community support.
Community Voices Support Rizzo
At the meeting, Rizzo made his case with backing from many local residents. Heritage Commission Chair Glen Feener acknowledged the longstanding reputation of Brothers Donuts, stating, “Brothers has been a long-term, well-respected business in the city of Franklin. Everybody loves their donuts.”
While the commission approved the decals, they stipulated that Rizzo must obtain zoning board approval for the sign size. This approval came amidst ongoing discussions about revitalizing Franklin’s downtown area, which includes recent developments like Mill City Park.
Residents like Kathy Forge, a long-time Franklin resident, emphasized the importance of effective signage. “Signage can make a big difference in attracting new customers,” she said. “Revitalization efforts should support both new and established businesses.”
A Bakery at the Heart of Franklin
Brothers Donuts opens at 3 a.m., with customers often finding the homemade treats sold out by 10 a.m. The bakery closes by 11 a.m. and remains shut from Sunday to Tuesday. Many residents view the approval process for the signage as an unnecessary obstacle for a business that has long been a staple of Franklin.
Marty Russo, another supporter, argued that while the decals might not fully align with the city’s color scheme, they should be given some leeway. “Brothers Donuts is a fixture in the community,” Russo said. “We should support this business that has supported Franklin for years.”
Mayor and Community Rally Behind Bakery
Mayor Desiree McLaughlin, who also serves as the landlord for the donut shop, presented a strong defense for the signage. She described the situation as a miscommunication rather than a deliberate violation. “Mal was unaware that the decals were considered signage,” McLaughlin explained. “He’s just trying to keep his small business viable in a changing environment.”
McLaughlin presented a petition with hundreds of signatures from Franklin residents and loyal customers. Rizzo also mobilized support through social media, contributing to the packed meeting.
Despite the community’s overwhelming support, the board emphasized that following protocol is essential. The commission’s role, as described by Leigh Webb, a city council representative, is to collaborate with businesses to find solutions that benefit everyone. The approval was granted with the condition that Rizzo verify the sign sizes with the planning board.
Support for Local Business
Debbie Auger, a local small business owner, showed her support by bringing a tray of Brothers Donuts to the meeting. “If these decals help bring customers into the shop, I fully support it,” Auger said. “In today’s market, doing everything possible to attract customers is crucial for survival.”
The Heritage Commission’s decision represents a compromise between upholding city regulations and supporting a beloved local business. As Franklin continues to evolve, the balance between preserving historic charm and encouraging business growth remains a key focus for city leaders and residents alike.