The Town of Peterborough granted eight restaurants temporary licenses to open for outdoor seating as of Monday, the first day New Hampshire restaurants were allowed to open under Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order 40. The “Stay-At-Home 2.0” order permits outdoor seating at restaurants if conditions are met to protect employee and customer health.
Brady’s American Grill, Nonie’s, Peterborough Diner, Waterhouse, Bantam Grill and Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar were approved for outdoor seating with table service, and Aesop’s Cafe and the Bagel Mill were approved for outdoor seating with takeout only, Community and Economic Development Coordinator Karen Hatcher said. Vicuna Chocolate and De Olla Burritos had pending applications as of Monday.
As the storm clouds cleared just before noon, Brady’s saw its first customers roll in, as Rocky Jordan and Mike Gregorich sat down for a beer at the tables in the roped-off parking lot.
“Like everybody, just trying to regain some normal,” Gregorich said.
Owner Barry York said he expected a good crowd once people got out of work Monday afternoon.
All approved restaurants were successfully reviewed for safety and zone compliance by Chief Ed Walker and Code Enforcement Officer, Tim Herlihy, Hatcher said. Members of the Economic Development Authority partnered with the office of Community and Economic Development in a town-wide outreach to restaurants in advance of the order taking effect, she said, and residents should check the website of their favorite restaurant for its reservation and other relevant information. Restaurants interested in adding outdoor seating or service can find information about temporary licensing on the town’s COVID-19 page.
Peterborough took the additional step of requiring temporary licenses for restaurants to ensure manag ement understands and can meet the state’s guidelines up front, rather than investing time in an inadequate solution, Health Officer Ed Walker said. The health standards set for reopening businesses fall under the Health Officer’s purview, he said, and complaints would be investigated just like before the pandemic, whether at a restaurant, salon, or retail shop.
Editor Ben Conant contributed to this story.