The Monadnock region’s restaurant industry is booming, and could soon have an effect on other areas of commerce.
Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sean Ryan said the Monadnock region has seen a large expansion in the restaurant industry over the past three years, which in turn leads to people spending money at other area businesses.
“The Monadnock region has seen the largest growth in restaurants and lodging over the past two years of any region in the state,” said Ryan. “It’s the number one draw to the area.”
The biggest draw to an area such as Peterborough, according to Ryan, is that the number and quality of diverse restaurants has seen a large uptick, offering something for everyone.
“The general public has more exposure to different kinds of food through television,” said Ryan. “The growth of restaurants in the area is really by demand and what people want.”
After years of discussion, Rindge residents Clark and Tera Miller have found their opportunity to open a new restaurant.
Emma’s 321 Pub & Kitchen, located at 377 Route 202, is open for business and serving a number of “homestyle” options, including burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and other entrees. The menu was cooked up by Tera, who had long managed Red Robin in Nashua.
“We wanted to create a menu that we thought would appeal to the residents,” said Clark. “The focus is on burgers, but we wanted to have something for everyone.”
After purchasing the former home of J.P. Stephen’s Restaurant and Tavern, Miller said there was a lot to do.
Seating was reduced, floors were redone, and a pool table and televisions were added.
Keene resident Bank Promploy will soon bring his family’s pedigree for Thai food to Peterborough, as he hopes to open up Chef Banks Thai Cafe this coming September.
“My family and I like the town of Peterborough because it has a lot of culture, heritage, and diversity,” said Promploy. “It has a lot of ethnic foods in town and the surrounding area. One thing that is missing in town is a good Thai restaurant. I want to be that missing puzzle piece.”
Promploy, who was born in Thailand, said he grew up in a kitchen, as his family owns Thai Garden in Keene and a few restaurants in the greater Boston area. Promploy said he worked his way through his family’s restaurant, starting as a dishwasher.
Presently, Promploy is working out of a food truck in West Chesterfield. Promploy is moving to the Grove Village Shops on Grove Street.
“Thai cooking places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge,” said Promploy. “It is known for its complex interplay of at least three and up to five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy.”
Subway in Peterborough has been busy since opening, offering patrons a quick and affordable lunch option. During a pre-grand opening event, the sandwich shop gave out over 175 free sandwiches.
“I’m thrilled to be opening this Subway sandwich shop in Peterborough,” said owner Dave Beckwith. “I am eager to be able to continue to expand the Subway family and to also provide jobs for local residents.”
Beckwith said the shop, located at 19 Wilton Road, features a new open design.
“For the comfort of our customers, we added a fireplace, community seating, including booths, armchairs, and sofas,” said Beckwith. “And perhaps most importantly, we have a new state-of-the-art bread oven.”
Mexican restaurant Mi Jalisco recently opened its third location right next to Subway at 19 Wilton Road. The family-owned restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican dishes and is made fresh to order.
Fetta Di Casa, a pizza food truck based out of Rindge, now has a home base next to the Sunoco station on Route 119. The food truck, which offers Neapolitan-style pizza, parks on the weekends to offer a number of pizza combinations.
Because of an increase in business, Sandwich Master in Rindge moved to a bigger location on Sonja Drive. Located between Valvoline and Dunkin’ Donuts, the Sandwich Master will continue to serve its signature sandwiches.