Woodshed Restaurant fire 11-28-13

[upthesaukee]

Just heard a call on the scanner for a structure fire at the Woodshed restaurant. First responder on scene reported heavy fire throughout.

A second alarm is being activated at this time.

I hope that they are closed and no staff there or customers there.

[upthesaukee]

I would think that perhaps most if not all the staff and customers are gone.

[upthesaukee]

Heavy fire throughout, and the companies on scene are trying to establish a water supply system to the scene.

One tanker truck on scene and another enroute

So sad.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Heavy fire throughout, and the companies on scene are trying to establish a water supply system to the scene.

One tanker truck on scene and another enroute

So sad.

Top story on wmur. Looks pretty serious. Large flames

[Resident 2B]

Under control at 11:47 according to the online scanner.

Too bad about the fire.

R2B

[jeffatsquam]

Just got back from the scene, Very sad

Lot of memories My sister worked there in the mid-70s I worked there in the 80's my dauther at 21 has worked there the last 7 years and served tonight everybody was out by 8pm lot of people out of a job.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by jeffatsquam

Just got back from the scene, Very sad

Lot of memories My sister worked there in the mid-70s I worked there in the 80's my dauther at 21 has worked there the last 7 years and served tonight everybody was out by 8pm lot of people out of a job.

Does anyone anyone know the status of the structure?

[webmaster]

Here's a few articles I found at 6:30 am:

Union Leader
WMUR
Boston dot com

[Gatto Nero]

What a shame. Something like that can never be recreated.

[phoenix]

according to union leader it burned to the ground

[JDeere]

Well I guess that ends the argument of whether the Woodshed was back or not.

Shame to see that building go since it was an iconic building.

I do wonder if the fire was suspicious or not? Guess it is too soon to know?

[Barney Bear]

We have celebrated many events with family and friends from several states at this wonderful place. It will be missed!!!

[blacksheep]

I saw this on the news this morning... So sad! And hard to believe. My thoughts are with all the employees, who are now out of work so close to the holidays. Hoping that Scott O will be able to relocate many of them to some of his other restaurants? Aparently the fire is under investigation, which I would assume is status quo for a business that is insured. Just tragic...

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

I saw this on the news this morning... So sad! And hard to believe. My thoughts are with all the employees, who are now out of work so close to the holidays. Hoping that Scott O will be able to relocate many of them to some of his other restaurants?

Scott was on the news last night and again this morning saying that the 40 employees working there he will try locate them to work at his other restaurants. I hope he rebuilds it.

[VitaBene]

Very sad to lose this Lakes Region institution. My daughter worked there last night... last busser ever at the 'shed.

My thoughts go out to all of those fine people who made their living there, especially this time of year.

[blacksheep]

Omg VitaBene... that's a little too close to home! SO glad she wasn't there at the time of the fire. So gald no one was there at the time of the fire. It is, indeed, a sad day. Unbelievable photo.

[hazelnut]

Glad she is ok and that the fire was AFTER her shift. Sorry about the restaurant, what an iconic establishment. So sad.

[Coolbreeze]

Buildings and material possessions can be replaced in time. Hopefully from the ashes a new establishment will rise.
If the owner reads the threads online here then they will know there is a loyal local following and people who care.

[wickedtravelah]

How sad.....any chance the owner will rebuild? Traditions have to start anew at times.

[ishoot308]

That really is sad especially during the holiday season.

Wishing the owners well in whatever they decide to do...

Dan

[Tank151]

It was one of the "better" restaurants in the Lakes Region area. Never mind the neat historic barn...

[NoBozo]

Is Scott O (Canoe) Really the owner...?? NB

[sum-r breeze]

What a true tragedy it is to lose The Woodshed. It has always been a special place to do dinner for us. We would celebrate important milestones with a trip to the shed and bring a group of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the owners and we will be returning customers if they decide to rebuild. Another tragic fire for the lakes region. We have many happy memories of past visits.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[Den65]

I've been going to the shed for 20 years, birthdays, anniversary's went for Christmas eve last year was going to be our new Christmas eve tradition. I remember the first time I took my kids there and what a big deal it was for them to get all dressed up think they were like 5 and 8. I remember how nice Lynn was with them and brought down the cat to show them and they would go see the cat every time they went after that. Even thought the service and food changed over the years the place always had a special feel about it that I will never forget......Hope they rebuild something there so we can start some new traditions..............RIP old friend

[LadyJane]

wow, it was a shock to see this. I have gone to the Woodshed for decades. Very sad. I hope they can rebuild.

[blacksheep]

NoBozo, yes Scott O. and several (three?) partners bought the Woodshed when it was sold this summer.

[wishiwasthere]

Been going there since 1980.Whenever we were in the area. Lots of fun memories! Skip and go nakeds, best prime rib, flower pot bread! It will be missed. Good luck to all the employees.

[tummyman]

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.

[blacksheep]

Interesting idea...but I think the old North End building is where they launch their catering operation (aka Magic Foods). I bet they have tons of equipment, etc, in that facility that they are likely gearing up to use for the upcoming holiday party season. I'm glad to hear that most (hopefully all!) of the employees of the Woodshed will find other work within the company. Hopefully the place was insured well and they can rebuild it with some of it's former character. To me, the rustic barn/old farmhouse atmosphere was such an important part of the Woodshed. Maybe the best way we can support Scott O and his partners is to frequent his other establishments - Canoe, O's Steakhouse in Laconia, and Magic Foods for our catering needs. I have seen, time and time again, that this is a community where people really come together in times of crisis and take good care of each other. I hope that will be true in this case, as well.

[Slainte]

Originally Posted by tummyman

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.

What a GREAT idea - I hope Scott reads this and considers the possibility!!!

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by tummyman

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.

Tummyman your plan lacks one key ingredient: money. Plus, reopening in a nondescript location on rte 25 wouldn't be the same regardless of the quality of the food. It is a good thought but I don't think it would work especially since the owners will have their hands full trying to get the old restaurant re-built.

I think the ability of the Woodshed to recover and reopen comes down to one thing, insurance. Hopefully, the owners have business interruption insurance. Given this was a recent buyout they likely have a decent debt load on the business so insurance will be key. Keep your fingers crossed.

[tummyman]

Seems the NE is already permitted. And no change to footprint ought to be a simple item for the town. Even the state liquor board could be a non event, as they would be just going for a change in location. Everyone is in mourning now but true character is in how folks rise up from adversity and conquer the moment. We can have a one day wake, but then begin to get back to the business at hand....rebuilding the Woodshed ASAP !!! Think of all the good people impacted by tornadoes and how they begin the rebuilding process immediately. Defeat is not an option and we, as a community, should rise up and get this business back into our town. We need positive thinking of "how"...not there are too many possible problems. We need to have faith and resolve. Let the BOS /Carter/ the Planning folks do something positive rather than screw around with studies etc. I assume the building was probably fully insured if there was a mortgage. So the owners have 4.5 acres of land. A new note for construction should be reasonable easy to obtain....after all we have at least three banks on the community and they can come together and solve the financing. Time to get going.............

[Old Hubbard Rd]

I was saddened with the news of the loss of the Woodshed. I always loved bringing friends and family there to show them that yes a restaurant nestled in the woods can be a successful place. I always chuckled at the thought of reviewing the business plan of the original owners as they presented it to the bank for a loan. I LOVED the décor. The character that this building had was irreplaceable! The food was not always perfect but the character made up for the problems with change of ownership etc over the years. The Woodshed is not re-buildable. Yes you can move the sign or build another restaurant and put the name Woodshed on it but it will never be the Woodshed we all know. Therefore like many other things in life those who got do visit her will always remember her and the joys we had there. Thanks for the memories!!

PS I've always loved the old farms converted into restaurants as they have wonderful character so we still have the Corner House Inn, Mames, The Common Man in Ashland, The Italian Farm House and I'm sure others can chime in with other local "Woodshed" type places. Growing up in Massachusetts I have always LOVED the Wayside Inn located in Sudbury Massachusetts. The Wayside Inn and the Woodshed always were my 2 favorite place to visit. So long old friend! Let's Skip and Go Naked!

[blacksheep]

The partners that own the Woodshed are not the same partners that own Magic Foods. Although there is an owner in common, the two businesses are held by different groups. Therefore, moving the site of the Woodshed to the current NE location would be ... complicated. I'm hoping that they decide to do something wonderful (although it will be different) at the current Woodshed location. I love the drive in, off 25, and I think the spot is part of the charm. Time will tell!

[old coot]

Originally Posted by Old Hubbard Rd

I was saddened with the news of the loss of the Woodshed. I always loved bringing friends and family there to show them that yes a restaurant nestled in the woods can be a successful place. I always chuckled at the thought of reviewing the business plan of the original owners as they presented it to the bank for a loan. I LOVED the décor. The character that this building had was irreplaceable! The food was not always perfect but the character made up for the problems with change of ownership etc over the years. The Woodshed is not re-buildable. Yes you can move the sign or build another restaurant and put the name Woodshed on it but it will never be the Woodshed we all know. Therefore like many other things in life those who got do visit her will always remember her and the joys we had there. Thanks for the memories!!

PS I've always loved the old farms converted into restaurants as they have wonderful character so we still have the Corner House Inn, Mames, The Common Man in Ashland, The Italian Farm House and I'm sure others can chime in with other local "Woodshed" type places. Growing up in Massachusetts I have always LOVED the Wayside Inn located in Sudbury Massachusetts. The Wayside Inn and the Woodshed always were my 2 favorite place to visit. So long old friend! Let's Skip and Go Naked!

The Wayside Inn burned in 1955 and was beautifully rebuilt to its original charm. It can be done.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by old coot

The Wayside Inn burned in 1955 and was beautifully rebuilt to its original charm. It can be done.

Anything can be done, it just takes money...

The whole environment of the lake, and competition for business, is much different today than it was then.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Anything can be done, it just takes money...

Correct Money is all it takes.

Rebuilding the WoodShed however may be hard. As anything new will have to conform to new building requirements. Which may pose problems. While a new building can be constructed, weather it will have the same feel as the original WoodShed is another story all together.

That building and they way it all came together, was some of the Charm of the wood Shed.

[upthesaukee]

If they decide to build again, and if they decide to build a barn-like structure to mimic the "old Woodshed", and if they work with the town and state to get all the approvals, and of course if they have the money to do all this, and if they do all of this, there will be many who will say that it is not the same as the "old Woodshed".

Don't expect a "new Woodshed" be the same as the "old Woodshed", cuz it just ain't gonna happen.

However, if they rebuilt with a semblance of the charm and ambiance that was the Woodshed, and couple that with great food and service, then we will be able to say "the Woodshed is back".

And if there are those who have old pictures of the Woodshed, or pictures of those who were adorned on the walls, that would go a long way to a recreation of the Woodshed.

Sorry to those who have lost their jobs, to all who have great memories there, and to the owners who lost their business. Whatever happens, it will end up being the best for all concened.

[Billy Bob]

What a building it was . It was loaded with charm that came from being an original barn structure that cant be duplicated.
To rebuild requires the building be brought up to current code , that's all the ADA act issues and general construction codes . That can't and should not be waved. And with those codes comes a loss of the original ambiance.
The other serious issue is the current owners picked this up at a foreclosure auction for a price that seemed to be well below market price. That's also what helped make it work financially. Rebuilding will be at full replacement costs that will make margins tight . I would call it a game on this one and move on to the next deal .

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

What a building it was . It was loaded with charm that came from being an original barn structure that cant be duplicated.
To rebuild requires the building be brought up to current code , that's all the ADA act issues and general construction codes . That can't and should not be waved. And with those codes comes a loss of the original ambiance.
The other serious issue is the current owners picked this up at a foreclosure auction for a price that seemed to be well below market price. That's also what helped make it work financially. Rebuilding will be at full replacement costs that will make margins tight . I would call it a game on this one and move on to the next deal .

While agree with your comments about the originality of the building not being replaceable. I disagree with the idea that rebuilding is financially out of the question. While you are correct that rebuilding will be expensive and at full cost, that is what insurance is for. As a business I would hope they would have been insured fully in case of fire, which means rebuilding will not be as costly as one might think, for the restaurants owners.

I am just glad that the fire happened when it did, and all that was lost was a building.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

What a building it was . It was loaded with charm that came from being an original barn structure that cant be duplicated.
To rebuild requires the building be brought up to current code , that's all the ADA act issues and general construction codes . That can't and should not be waved. And with those codes comes a loss of the original ambiance.
The other serious issue is the current owners picked this up at a foreclosure auction for a price that seemed to be well below market price. That's also what helped make it work financially. Rebuilding will be at full replacement costs that will make margins tight . I would call it a game on this one and move on to the next deal .

BB, I think you will be proven right on this one. I think the price was just north of 500K (519 IIRC). It is too bad because we went there weekly or so and it was good and so convenient.

Personally, I would not care if they threw up a Morton building and served good food, good wine and have good wine glasses!

[tis]

Unfortunately, Vita I agree. I will also be surprised if BB is proven wrong.

[phoenix]

I remember when Mike Love's restaurant also burned down in Moultonborough. After a while he opened a new rest in Wolfeboro but eventually changed concepts and opened Lemon Grass. I also think it will be tough to open again on same site and assume the same result. It was also my favorite in lakes region and with Wayside Inn my two favorite period restaurants

[dippasan]

Originally Posted by phoenix

I remember when Mike Love's restaurant also burned down in Moultonborough. After a while he opened a new rest in Wolfeboro but eventually changed concepts and opened Lemon Grass. I also think it will be tough to open again on same site and assume the same result. It was also my favorite in lakes region and with Wayside Inn my two favorite period restaurants

I remember Mike Love's restaurant in Moultonboro. It was the Sweetwater Inn.
I proposed to my wife there in 1989. My in laws lived in Center Harbor and my mother in law and brother in law both worked at the Sweetwater during the time I proposed. It was a great place with great food and a great atmosphere.
Too bad it had the same fate as the Woodshed.

[Newbiesaukee]

Where exactly was the Sweetwater Inn?

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

Where exactly was the Sweetwater Inn?

Ahhhhh the Sweetwater Inn. So many fond memories, my parents took us there all the time. It was just past the Village Kitchen if you're headed towards Moultonboro Town Center. On the right side, up a little incline, I believe there is a mechanical company or something there now. What an awesome restaurant that was. We used to spend New Years eve there many many years.

Note: Sweetwater was not an Inn, as in you didn't sleep there. At least not that I remember.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by hazelnut

Ahhhhh the Sweetwater Inn. So many fond memories, my parents took us there all the time. It was just past the Village Kitchen if you're headed towards Moultonboro Town Center. On the right side, up a little incline, I believe there is a mechanical company or something there now. What an awesome restaurant that was. We used to spend New Years eve there many many years.

Note: Sweetwater was not an Inn, as in you didn't sleep there. At least not that I remember.

Hmmm... must be where Ossipee MT Electronics is now.

[Nagigator]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Hmmm... must be where Ossipee MT Electronics is now.

They still use the same old sign for the Sweetwater, out by the road, but of course it for the present business......

[Lakesrider]

Originally Posted by old coot

The Wayside Inn burned in 1955 and was beautifully rebuilt to its original charm. It can be done.

I worked at the Wayside for almost 15 years. I did almost every job there. Even milled corn and wheat at the Grist Mill and did over 750 Weddings at the Martha Mary Chapel as Sexton there back in the 80's. When you see pictures of the Grist Mill and the Split rail fence....I split all the trees and built that fence. Ah the secrets I could tell of that place.....
As mentioned it did indeed burn. A few times and always rebuilt. Henry Ford even had a special pond built after the last fire to hold water in case it ever burned again. It had a beautiful dam. Alas it was built over an aquifer and never was able to hold water. In the building across the street Henry Ford had bought and stored it's own fire truck....just in case.
Reminds me...did the Wood shed even have sprinklers?

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

...Reminds me...did the Wood shed even have sprinklers?

No sprinkler system, and no fire detectors that I ever saw in any of the eating areas. Very surprising.....

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by wifi

No sprinkler system, and no fire detectors that I ever saw in any of the eating areas. Very surprising.....

I can tell you I was shocked to recently see the absence of sprinklers in another popular restaurant in our area, absolutely floored by the lay out.

[blacksheep]

Their kitchen would have been required to have an ansul (chemical) system, at least in the area around their hoods (law in NH) and I can't imagine any insurer would have covered them without wired-in smoke/CO2 detectors...but they may not have had a sprinkler system. It looks to my novice eye, from the photos of the fire, that the most intensity was centered around the location of the fireplace in the dining room. Since they were open only hours before the fire broke out, it was likely that they had a fire in that fireplace... I guess time will tell what the inspection brings. Hopefully they had enough detection installed to meet their policy requirements...and thank God no one was there!

[secondcurve]

With all of the history that was destroyed, the owners aren’t sure if they’re going to rebuild.

“I think it's one of these places that unfortunately, how do you rebuild and how do you ever try to bring something like this back. I think there are just too many irreplaceable memories,” co-owner Scott Ouellette said.

The above quote is from co-owner Scott Ouellette. Obviously, it is early on in the process and he was still stunned when he made the comment but it does allow a glimpse into his mind concerning the possibility of a rebuild. It will be a big task if undertaken.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

Their kitchen would have been required to have an ansul (chemical) system, at least in the area around their hoods (law in NH) and I can't imagine any insurer would have covered them without wired-in smoke/CO2 detectors...but they may not have had a sprinkler system. It looks to my novice eye, from the photos of the fire, that the most intensity was centered around the location of the fireplace in the dining room. Since they were open only hours before the fire broke out, it was likely that they had a fire in that fireplace... I guess time will tell what the inspection brings. Hopefully they had enough detection installed to meet their policy requirements...and thank God no one was there!

Without a major renovation in the last 30 years or so it is unlikely that sprinklers/fire alarm/detection would have been required by code, insurance requirements might be different, (except for the kitchen hood which would be required and I have to assume was there in functioning order).

[jniff101]

Would anyone happen to have any good pictures of the woodshed before the fire? I've seen the some online but I was hoping for some better ones.

[mcdude]

I did a search on the photo gallery and was surprised to find absolutely no pics of the Woodshed!...however, you can find a few HERE and HERE

[jniff101]

Thanks Mcdude. I saw those but if I enlarge it, it gets fuzzy

[Legionnaire70]

Any word yet on the cause of the fire?

[Heading4thelake]

Guess my reservations for New Years Eve at my favorite restaurant, at my favorite table, won't be honored , so sad, better start looking for another prime rib dinner ! Only been going there for at least 20 years.....

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Heading4thelake

Guess my reservations for New Years Eve at my favorite restaurant, at my favorite table, won't be honored , so sad, better start looking for another prime rib dinner ! Only been going there for at least 20 years.....

You think it was drafty before !!!

[Shore Driver]

This is horrible.

I do know of a precedent for an old, charming and unique place burning to the ground and then being rebuilt with same charm and feel. Actually, two. The Margarita's in Mansfield, CT was completely destroyed in 2000 and rebuilt using harvested old barn timber. I never went there before the fire but it's a lovely place to eat.

The Common Man in Lincoln also burned down, and was rebuilt, including reproducing the famous fireplace.

There is a theme here that these barns are a hazard.

But hopefully, all hope is not lost.