What do you want/need in the region for business?

upthesaukee · 11-13-2009, 12:39 PM

If they do a circuit city sale, they raise the price and then do a sale...could be a quarter and fifty cent piece sale.

ghfromaltonbay · 11-13-2009, 04:47 PM

Now where will we buy those great greeting cards? The 5 & 10 always had a great selection of cards for $0.99 - I bought $25 worth before I headed back to NJ this past October. I'm sorry to hear that the store is closing. I know Doris McGrath is no longer able to work there, but I was hoping her son would keep the place going. It was in a much better spot than the original 5&10 (now home to Marakesh and a few other businesses) and was a great addition once the store at the circle became Aubuchons.

That location would be ideal for a laundromat. Great street visibility + plenty of parking. What we don't need is another bank, hardware store, or beauty salon.

Shreddy · 11-13-2009, 06:50 PM

I guarantee that a coffee shop (maybe close to Aubuchon in Moultonboro) would be THRIVE! I'm talking a good sit down, read the paper, converse, read a book coffee shop. There are ZERO good coffee shops in the area. We need something similar to The Met located in North Conway. Someone do it, and I'm sure I can help keep your business afloat!

SAMIAM · 11-14-2009, 07:58 PM

Shreddy....think you've hit on a great idea....we definately need another restaurant in Moultonborough......All we have is The North Shore, Arties, Buckey's, The North End, The Village kitchen, The Bobhouse, The Woodshed, Subway, Kevin's, Lee Wah's, Lemongrass and The Red hill Dairy....plus 3 0r 4 convenience stores selling sandiches, pizza's and meals to go. Why don't you open a place....you can get rich with the rest of us

Greenbean · 11-14-2009, 09:00 PM

There does seem to be an opening for an Bar with adult entertainment as well as a one stop lingerie, video and toy shop. Which town would be best - we were thinking Tamworth because they don't have very strict zoning. Anyone know?

Shreddy · 11-14-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Shreddy....think you've hit on a great idea....we definately need another restaurant in Moultonborough......All we have is The North Shore, Arties, Buckey's, The North End, The Village kitchen, The Bobhouse, The Woodshed, Subway, Kevin's, Lee Wah's, Lemongrass and The Red hill Dairy....plus 3 0r 4 convenience stores selling sandiches, pizza's and meals to go. Why don't you open a place....you can get rich with the rest of us

With all due respect Sam, I respect you and love the VK, but I don't think you thoroughly understood my post. No where in my post did I say Moultonboro needs another RESTAURANT. I said coffee shop. The closest thing to a coffee shop that the Lakes Region has is Winni Bay Gulls (minus the good choice of coffees) and the Java Tree (if it's even called that?) in Wolfeboro. Like I said, something similar to "The Met" located in North Conway.

For the record, if you lashed out at my post because you think it will jeopardize your business in any way than you need to re-analyze what I proposed and maybe do something about it. The Lakes Region needs a good coffee shop!

SAMIAM · 11-15-2009, 05:13 PM

That was only a good natured poking Shreddy........I wasn't lashing out at all. Many of us in the business are always kidding about all of the restaurants in such a small town and wishing summer would last a few months longer.

Shreddy · 11-15-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

That was only a good natured poking Shreddy........I wasn't lashing out at all. Many of us in the business are always kidding about all of the restaurants in such a small town and wishing summer would last a few months longer.

I understand completely. The market up here is driven off of monopolistic competition where businesses differentiate themselves due to the services and food they provide that it makes it extremely hard for anything trying to enter the market up here extremely hard. Many customers are brand loyal and know they are getting a great breakfast at the VK, or a solid burger at Buckey's. They also know that they can spend a pretty penny and fine dine at Canoe or the Woodshed.

Yes, the restaurant business is very established in the Lakes Region and much of the profit is seasonal, based around summer, as you mentioned. However, as I said, I still think there is plenty of opportunity for a coffee shop to thrive up here. I have friends that will drive 12-15 miles just to go to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee. If there was a place around here where you could get a custom latte or custom coffees and sit down to relax for a minute, I think it would do well.

As I said originally, there is a lack of variety when it comes to coffee and MANY people base their day around that pick-me-up.

Lakegeezer · 11-15-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Shreddy....think you've hit on a great idea....we definately need another restaurant in Moultonborough......All we have is The North Shore, Arties,Buckey's,The North End,The Village kitchen,The Bobhouse,The Woodshed,Subway,Kevin's,Lee Wah's Lemongrass and The Red hill Dairy....plus 3 0r 4 convenience stores selling sandiches,pizza's and meals to go.Why don't you open a place....you can get rich with the rest of us

Good list Samiam. Add to that Center Harbor Diner (offically across the line, right?) and the Pizza place by Century 21's offices.

SAMIAM · 11-15-2009, 07:17 PM

Silly me, Lakegeezer.....missed that one.....also Sam and Rosie's, Canoe and Coe House are on the same strip.

Pineedles · 11-15-2009, 07:43 PM

And I am thankful for everyone of these entrepreneurs who give us their very best.

ishoot308 · 11-15-2009, 08:31 PM

What would really be nice is a couple of GOOD cigar stores. I am talking about ones that carry a quality selection of fresh, properly humidified cigars and accessories that compliment them. Maybe include some fine wines in the same store and I think you have a winning combination!

Dan

Argie's Wife · 11-15-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

What would really be nice is a couple of GOOD cigar stores. I am talking about ones that carry a quality selection of fresh, properly humidified cigars and accessories that compliment them. Maybe include some fine wines in the same store and I think you have a winning combination!

Dan

One just opened in the Pavilion on Alton Bay a while back...

SIKSUKR · 11-16-2009, 10:57 AM

I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine. I think the guy is looking to franchise.

chipj29 · 11-16-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine. I think the guy is looking to franchise.

Ah, Mark's donuts. A true New England classic!

SIKSUKR · 11-18-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

Ah, Mark's donuts. A true New England classic!

Actually Chip, it was not the one in South Portland that you

seem to be familiar with. This one seemed to be off the beaten path. The waitresses and patrons sure looked it. This one had been burned on purpose by disapproving locals. I think the new one was set up in a trailer next to the pile of debris left from the fire. First class operation of course.

Sorry for the semi hijack.

Barbara · 02-13-2010, 12:52 PM

There is a great children's shop in Wolfeboro, Sprouts, that carries more upscale clothing and toys. I don't know where you live in the region, but The Wooden Soldier in No. Conway village is fabulous with very special clothing at discounted prices from the catalog. Wooden Soldier is an upscale catalog company. There headquartered on Rt. 16 in Intervale, up near Jackson, and have a large retail store with discounted merchandise there also.

callmeD · 02-13-2010, 03:47 PM

Shreddy -

What about a Starbucks / Barnes and Noble-type "coffee shop" ... with wifi? (I think this may not be quite what you were thinking, but I like it.) You can hang around all day if you want and they don't bother you.

Barnes and Noble is kind of like the library ... with refreshments.

Newbiesaukee · 02-13-2010, 04:18 PM

The Village Perk in Meredith used to have free Wi-Fi and a similar, but local atmosphere. Don't know about the new owners. Mocha Rizing in Center Sandwich has the same kind of menu and atmosphere..don't know about the Wi-Fi.

Jeanzb1 · 02-13-2010, 07:26 PM

Two suggestions: Panera (high-end sandwich/soup/salad chain) and/or a
nice bookstore!?

lawn psycho · 02-14-2010, 01:18 PM

We would love to see more hotels and motels that rent rooms and dock space (and allow pets). It's actually a better deal for us to rent Friday/Sat night for a chunk of weekends than to leave the boat slipped all season.

Right now we have a slip and rent at a hotel on the "other" side of the lake that has docking available. We're seriously considering dumping the slip rent and just renting on weekends. Trailering is a PITA but if you can get in Friday night you get the whole weekend.

We already have 12 nights booked and depending on my work schedule it will undoubtedly be more.

Our only issue is pets since we have two golden retrievers so we're tied to who can watch them if we can't get the "pet rooms". Our daughter sorta controls our boating freedom.

lawn psycho · 02-14-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

Two suggestions: Panera (high-end sandwich/soup/salad chain) and/or a
nice bookstore!?

I think a Panera *might* be successful but only if it's in a high traffic area. The problem is for many small businesses like that is you need year round income to pay the franchise fees. I have a very close friend who opened up a franshise and the fees ate him up and he sold the place to go back to the corporate world.

Grady223 · 02-25-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

Two suggestions: Panera (high-end sandwich/soup/salad chain) and/or a
nice bookstore!?

There is a wonderful bookstore in Wolfeboro, the Country Bookseller.

Rattlesnake Guy · 11-16-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine.I think the guy is looking to franchise.

After writing and erasing several responses, I just can't think of one that won't get me in trouble.

Pineedles · 11-16-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine. I think the guy is looking to franchise.

Well that's just silly! Why would anyone want a donut without a top?

magicrobotmonkey · 11-16-2009, 08:24 PM

How about a burrito shop?

RI Swamp Yankee · 11-16-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine. I think the guy is looking to franchise.

I saw that but after seeing his picture, the image of him topless would scare me away.

11-13-2009, 12:39 PM	#1
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,599 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,458 Thanked 1,981 Times in 1,082 Posts	that depends If they do a circuit city sale, they raise the price and then do a sale...could be a quarter and fifty cent piece sale. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

11-13-2009, 04:47 PM	#2
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 827 Thanks: 255 Thanked 225 Times in 131 Posts	Another business closing Now where will we buy those great greeting cards? The 5 & 10 always had a great selection of cards for $0.99 - I bought $25 worth before I headed back to NJ this past October. I'm sorry to hear that the store is closing. I know Doris McGrath is no longer able to work there, but I was hoping her son would keep the place going. It was in a much better spot than the original 5&10 (now home to Marakesh and a few other businesses) and was a great addition once the store at the circle became Aubuchons. That location would be ideal for a laundromat. Great street visibility + plenty of parking. What we don't need is another bank, hardware store, or beauty salon.

11-13-2009, 06:50 PM	#3
Shreddy Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 509 Thanks: 178 Thanked 212 Times in 114 Posts	Coffee house in Moultonboro I guarantee that a coffee shop (maybe close to Aubuchon in Moultonboro) would be THRIVE! I'm talking a good sit down, read the paper, converse, read a book coffee shop. There are ZERO good coffee shops in the area. We need something similar to The Met located in North Conway. Someone do it, and I'm sure I can help keep your business afloat!

11-14-2009, 09:00 PM	#5
Greenbean Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Smut shop needed There does seem to be an opening for an Bar with adult entertainment as well as a one stop lingerie, video and toy shop. Which town would be best - we were thinking Tamworth because they don't have very strict zoning. Anyone know?

11-15-2009, 07:43 PM	#11
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,545 Thanks: 1,072 Thanked 668 Times in 367 Posts	Fine Dining in the LR And I am thankful for everyone of these entrepreneurs who give us their very best.

11-14-2009, 07:58 PM	#4
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,896 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,676 Times in 586 Posts	Shreddy....think you've hit on a great idea....we definately need another restaurant in Moultonborough......All we have is The North Shore, Arties, Buckey's, The North End, The Village kitchen, The Bobhouse, The Woodshed, Subway, Kevin's, Lee Wah's, Lemongrass and The Red hill Dairy....plus 3 0r 4 convenience stores selling sandiches, pizza's and meals to go. Why don't you open a place....you can get rich with the rest of us

11-15-2009, 05:13 PM	#7
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,896 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,676 Times in 586 Posts	That was only a good natured poking Shreddy........I wasn't lashing out at all. Many of us in the business are always kidding about all of the restaurants in such a small town and wishing summer would last a few months longer.

11-15-2009, 07:17 PM	#10
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,896 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,676 Times in 586 Posts	Silly me, Lakegeezer.....missed that one.....also Sam and Rosie's, Canoe and Coe House are on the same strip.

11-15-2009, 08:31 PM	#12
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,249 Thanks: 2,391 Thanked 5,283 Times in 2,055 Posts	Cigars and Wine What would really be nice is a couple of GOOD cigar stores. I am talking about ones that carry a quality selection of fresh, properly humidified cigars and accessories that compliment them. Maybe include some fine wines in the same store and I think you have a winning combination! Dan

11-16-2009, 10:57 AM	#14
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I saw a piece on NECN about a topless dounut shop reopening in Maine. I think the guy is looking to franchise. __________________ SIKSUKR

02-13-2010, 12:52 PM	#17
Barbara Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 251 Thanks: 48 Thanked 113 Times in 64 Posts	Penny penny answer to your request There is a great children's shop in Wolfeboro, Sprouts, that carries more upscale clothing and toys. I don't know where you live in the region, but The Wooden Soldier in No. Conway village is fabulous with very special clothing at discounted prices from the catalog. Wooden Soldier is an upscale catalog company. There headquartered on Rt. 16 in Intervale, up near Jackson, and have a large retail store with discounted merchandise there also.

02-13-2010, 03:47 PM	#18
callmeD Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Saugus, MA and Gilford, NH Posts: 68 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Shreddy - What about a Starbucks / Barnes and Noble-type "coffee shop" ... with wifi? (I think this may not be quite what you were thinking, but I like it.) You can hang around all day if you want and they don't bother you. Barnes and Noble is kind of like the library ... with refreshments. __________________ Maybe we have to mess up before we step up. Dr. Karev

02-13-2010, 04:18 PM	#19
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,353 Thanks: 947 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	The Village Perk in Meredith used to have free Wi-Fi and a similar, but local atmosphere. Don't know about the new owners. Mocha Rizing in Center Sandwich has the same kind of menu and atmosphere..don't know about the Wi-Fi.

02-13-2010, 07:26 PM	#20
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 555 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	Two suggestions: Panera (high-end sandwich/soup/salad chain) and/or a nice bookstore!?

02-14-2010, 01:18 PM	#21
lawn psycho Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: On the move... Posts: 987 Thanks: 113 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts	We would love to see more hotels and motels that rent rooms and dock space (and allow pets). It's actually a better deal for us to rent Friday/Sat night for a chunk of weekends than to leave the boat slipped all season. Right now we have a slip and rent at a hotel on the "other" side of the lake that has docking available. We're seriously considering dumping the slip rent and just renting on weekends. Trailering is a PITA but if you can get in Friday night you get the whole weekend. We already have 12 nights booked and depending on my work schedule it will undoubtedly be more. Our only issue is pets since we have two golden retrievers so we're tied to who can watch them if we can't get the "pet rooms". Our daughter sorta controls our boating freedom.

11-16-2009, 08:24 PM	#26
magicrobotmonkey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 160 Thanks: 42 Thanked 44 Times in 31 Posts	How about a burrito shop?