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The Brunswick Bird

Resending: The Bird is Back! 🐦 (And we've brought Pizza & Pickleball) V10


Happy Tuesday! Welcome to the February 3, 2026 Edition

πŸ‘‹ WELCOME HOME, BIRD FAM!

Hello, Friends!

I can’t believe it’s been a full year since the last issue of The Brunswick Bird landed in your inbox. A lot has changed, but one thing never did: how much we missed you. We missed rallying the community, debating the most important topics (like pizza πŸ•), and sharing everything happening in our own backyards.

So here’s the good news: we’re back, and the vibe has never been better.

Starting now, a refreshed Brunswick Bird will arrive every Tuesday. Think local news, events, new restaurants, secret menus, reader perks, horoscopes, and plenty of fun. Thanks for being here. Truly.

Let’s get this party started πŸ’› !
XOXO
Marla Camins and The Bird Crew

THIS WEEK'S WEATHER (Yeah. It's still cold. )

WHERE'S THE BIRD AT?

The Bird was out and about last week. Can you guess where we're at? (Answer at the bottom of this email)

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

πŸ” New Drive-Thru Coming to Route 18?

A popular chicken finger chain, Raising Cane’s, is seeking township approval to open a new restaurant with a drive-thru at the former Red Lobster site on Route 18. If approved, crispy fingers could soon be back on the menu.

πŸ” More Burgers? Yes, Please.

​According to their website, Brunswick Burger House is planning a brand-new location in East Brunswick. The local favorite, known for its juicy burgers and laid-back vibe, already has a spot in Carteret β€” no word yet on where or when it will be launched.

πŸ›οΈ More Mall Updates - Can there ever be enough?!​

The Mall has unveiled a major redevelopment plan that would transform the property into an open-air lifestyle center. The proposal includes residential and commercial spaces and up to eight new tenants β€” including pickleball and Nordstrom Rack.

PLUS THIS: The VIRAL EB "Dumpster Diving" Video: The Final 48 Hours Of Brunswick Square

Click the arrow to see the video that's racked up over 51,000 views since dropping last month. The vibe? Bill and Ted's excellent adventure in East Brunswick.

video preview​

⛸️ Things Are Getting Icy (In a Good Way)

EB's new Ice Skating Arena, located behind Lowe’s, is gearing up to open soon. Official opening is slated for March, but if you can't wait, there's a local game happening tomorrow (Wednesday, February 4). Read more here.

EB Joins X (Formerly Twitter)

There’s a new place to find "official" town updates. East Brunswick has joined X to share real-time announcements, alerts, and community news. (Also don't forget to follow The Brunswick Bird on X channel at: https://x.com/eb_bird​

πŸ’„ Ulta Beauty on Route 18 to Close

Sad news, beauty lovers. The Ulta Beauty location on Route 18 is set to close on Saturday, Feb. 14th. (Yes, that's Valentine's day)_ Shoppers can still visit nearby locations in North Brunswick, Marlboro, South Plainfield and Woodbridge.

PLUS THIS: The VIRAL EB "Dumpster Diving" Video: The Final 48 Hours Of Brunswick Square

Click the arrow to see the video that's racked up over 51,000 views since it was posted last month. It's kind of like a Bill and Ted excellent adventure outtake in East Brunswick.

video preview​

LOCAL EVENTS & STUFF TO DO

🐲 Lunar New Year Comes to the Library​
​Celebrate the Year of the Horse with performances, crafts, traditional foods, and family-friendly activities for all ages.​

πŸ—“ Saturday, Feb 7
πŸ•¦ 11:30 AM–4:30 PM
πŸ“ East Brunswick Public Library
🎟️ Free community event

🐾 Free Rabies Clinic for East Brunswick Pets​
​Protect your pets with free rabies vaccinations for EB residents. No appointment needed. Proof of residency required.​

πŸ—“ Wednesday, Feb 11
πŸ•’ 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
πŸ“ East Brunswick (township location)
πŸ’‰ Free for EB residents

🎨 Library Fun All Month Long​
​Drop-in crafts, story times, games, and family activities continue all February at the library.​

πŸ—“ Various dates in February
πŸ“ East Brunswick Public Library

πŸ’˜ Feel like doing something besides Dinner? Here are some alternative Valentine’s Day ideas....

🎨 Paint Your Love Story​
​Create a shared masterpiece at this hands-on Valentine’s paint night. Each partner paints half. BYOB.​

πŸ—“ Runs through Feb 12-15th
πŸ•– Each day is a different painting
πŸ“ Pinot’s Palette, East Brunswick -Date Night Prices Range $48 per seat - 2 hours long
πŸ’˜ Phone 732.210.4457

β€‹πŸ“– Love Letters Takes the Stage​
A sweet, Valentine’s-themed theatrical performance featuring heartfelt storytelling and light romance.

πŸ—“ Saturday, Feb 14
πŸ•‘ 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
πŸ“ East Brunswick Community Arts Center
🎟️ FREE

🎭 My First Ex-Husband ​
Written and Staring Joy Behar

πŸ—“ Rund Feb 13-15
πŸ“ NBPAC / George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick
🎟️ Tickets required

🎢 Opera for Valentine’s Day​
​Rutgers Opera performs Valentine’s concert featuring beloved classical selections.​

πŸ—“ Saturday, Feb 14
πŸ•’ 7:30 PM–8:30 PM
πŸ“ Rutgers Performing Arts
🎟️ Tickets required

MORE EVENTS - A FEW MILES AWAY

πŸ›οΈ Big Flea, Big Weekend​
​Shop, snack, and stroll this massive indoor flea market ​

πŸ—“ Saturday–Sunday, Feb 21–22
πŸ•” Starts 5:00 PM Saturday
πŸ“ New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The Oscars are just a few weeks away (March 15, if you're keeping tabs). NJ at the Oscars: Also- a Rutgers Alum was nominated for his work.

Influencer News: NJ’s Alix Earle gets a Netflix show.

Puppy Bowl: Three NJ rescue pups (one from Edison!) are competing on Sunday, Feb 8th (also, there's a BIG football game happening) in this year's Puppy Bowl. Read More...​

Spotted in NJ: Pam Anderson and Billy Bob Thornton, filming Somedays - a new movie in Westfield.

STATE NEWS

New Gov Sherill hits the ground running with six executive orders many which could impact you right now. Plus, Sherill wants you to take this survey now, to give her your thoughts about New Jersey.

NJ Passes Law Allowing Medical Use of "Magic" Mushrooms

IN MEMORIAM

Saying goodbye to TV morning staple: Produce Pete.

Also, we're bidding adieu to everyone's favorite uncle, Uncle Floyd.


OLE' EAST BRUNSWICK

Thanks to Geo Baylis for sharing this pic of life on Route 18 circa 1983. Have a pic of olden-times EB you'd like to share? Send it to: Pictures@thebrunswickbird.com​

And the answer to where we're at? (Drum roll, please...)

​The Highpoint Diner (AKA, the former Seville Diner on Route 18) And it was delicious!

NEXT WEEK IN THE BIRD... πŸ¦…

Don't touch that dial! We’re already cooking up next Tuesday's issue...If you're new to the bird, please subscribe. Also, if you visit any of the local businesses mentioned, please tell 'em a little bird sent ya.

BEFORE YOU GO: Have an idea for a feature or story you'd like to see in The Bird - send it to me at Marla@TheBrunswickBird.com.

Are you a business owner who'd like to partner with us? Reach out!​

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The Brunswick Bird

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