By Doug La Rocque
John and Ruth Duncan first opened the iconic establishment for ice cream in 1939, but by 1955 they were serving breakfast and lunch as well. Over the years some things have changed, but walking into the restaurant, you might think you were back in 1955. The Duncan’s grandson John Squadrito now runs the eatery and they have added dinners to their menu every night except Sunday.
Always known for their fine breakfast, (try to find a seat there on a weekend morning), they are also famous for their baked goods, made on premises. Homemade bread, rolls, glazed donuts, and of course, the pies. They sell over 500 pies Thanksgiving Week every year.
Being open as long as Duncan’s has, you are bound to have met a famous face or two. In this case, it was “The Scooter,” Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto, sort of a legend in his own right. Mr. Rizzuto was a famed New York Yankee shortstop for 13 years, and then spent decades in the broadcast booth, becoming known for his repeated phrase “Holy Cow” whenever something of note would occur during a game. The Scooter had a daughter that lived in the area, and whenever he and his wife would visit, he was known to stop at Duncan’s, and “hold court” for hours, entertaining locals with his many stories of baseball’s glory days.
From the youngest and newest of patrons, to those who have made Duncan’s nearly a daily stop for 30 years or more, all will invite you to stop by and experience a little bit of Brunswick history, and an ambiance that has made Duncan’s a legend in its own time.