2 days Ago By [email protected] (Jonathan Phelps)
SOMETIMES, businesses ebb and flow. They open new locations and close others for whatever reason. In this case, The Works Cafe opening on Elm Street marks a return to the Queen City, having previously operated as the then- Bagel Works on South Willow and Second streets in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s.
This is now the Keene-based brand’s 12th location and seventh in New Hampshire. The spot inside the Brady Sullivan Plaza seemed like a natural fit and fills a need for a community-oriented meeting space, said Richard French, CEO and founder. The first location opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988 and quickly expanded to Keene.
The brand now has locations in five states. The cafe joins Hop Knot and Poké BonBon in the plaza, which is home to the state’s second-tallest building. The building has been retrofitted to include more than 150 apartments.
“There seems to be a real need for a community-conscious cafe that is open from 6 in the morning to 8 at night seven days a week,” French said. “We have a great big community table in there. We have that great plaza for outdoor seating.
” French was on hand to greet customers for opening week and served up chicken, cilantro and Cajun bacon tacos at the popular annual Taco Tour. The restaurant changed its name in 2002 to better reflect its expansive menu. It has always been a go-to place for healthy foods sourced locally — and a refillable mug policy.
“That was my 101 on naming a business. It was somewhat limited,” French said of Bagel Works. “It was true to what we were doing, but by the 2000s we were doing a lot more.
” Some of the menu offerings include organic ancient grains power bowls, breakfast burritos and smoothies. Fresh bagels and smoked salmon are a specialty. The newest location is decked out with a similar feel to its other cafes, which has a long history of using repurposed materials and sustainable equipment.
“We’ve taken down more than a half-dozen barns across New England,” French said. “We build out our cafes with reclaimed barn-board wood that is 200 years old. That has been consistent.
” One of the tenets of the business is to learn from its mistakes, including locations that “didn’t make it for various reasons, at various times.” French called it a humbling experience to have to shut down locations. French is glad to be back in Manchester, and this time downtown.
“We are excited to be part of Manchester’s revitalization by adding our energy to this growing, vibrant downtown,” he said. While it hasn’t been gone as long as The Works, Earth Eagle Brewing will open back in its spot at 175 High St. In Portsmouth — at least for the summer, according to its owner Gretchen McDonald.
The place closed down in December. “We will be open all summer and into early fall. We are keeping the option open for staying open year-round but have not made that decision just yet,” she said.
“Folks can once again enjoy our beers on tap, as well as cocktails and food.” The menu features loaded hot dogs, burgers and salads. On tap is a wide variety of beers from IPAs and lagers to stouts, herbal ales and Belgian ales.
Earth Eagle North in Somersworth is waiting on final approval for its outdoor space. “This is a game-changer for us, so we’re very excited,” McDonald said. Ma’s Cafe & Tavern recently moved from Deerfield to the former Woods Grill spot at 284 First NH Turnpike in Northwood.
Apparently, this is also a return for the restaurant, according to its Facebook page. The Deerfield location closed at the end of March. I’m told the restaurant is known for its “good food” and yearly random act of kindness dinner on Thanksgiving for anyone who needs a meal.
Also something about a famous meatloaf. Check out its Facebook page for trivia and paint and sip nights. You’re not out of luck, Deerfield.
Big Dog Pub , a family-owned and run hometown pub, recently opened in the old Ma’s spot. No need to fret. Its house specialty is the Big Dog Smash Burger — “two tasty all beef patties topped with cheddar cheese, crispy onions, a fried egg and our honey mayo.
” some other offerings include Big Mike’s tortellini and Korean barbecue-flavored wings..
