Woodshed Restaurant fire 11-28-13

old coot · 12-01-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-01-2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-02-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-02-2013, 10:28 AM

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 · 12-02-2013, 03:34 PM

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 · 12-02-2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-02-2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-02-2013, 07:34 PM

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

phoenix · 12-02-2013, 08:56 PM

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 · 01-02-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-02-2014, 10:03 AM

Where exactly was the Sweetwater Inn?

hazelnut · 01-02-2014, 11:13 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-02-2014, 11:53 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-02-2014, 12:33 PM

Quote:

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......

dippasan · 01-02-2014, 03:52 PM

FYI...I just did a Google search for the Sweetwater Inn NH and found an obituary for Mike Love. I was unaware that he passed away in 2008 in Panama where he and his wife retired, due to complications from a stroke. RIP Mike!!

I thought some of you might want to know.

tis · 01-02-2014, 04:53 PM

It was discussed on here, dippasan, you must have missed it.

secondcurve · 01-02-2014, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dippasan

FYI...I just did a Google search for the Sweetwater Inn NH and found an obituary for Mike Love. I was unaware that he passed away in 2008 in Panama where he and his wife retired, due to complications from a stroke. RIP Mike!!

I thought some of you might want to know.

I do remember Mike's passing. That was definitely a sad story and a great loss for the Lakes Region. I never went to the Sweetwater Inn but had the pleasure of visiting his Loves Quay restaurant in Wolfeboro many, many times. He was a talented chef and an exceptionally nice guy.

Just Sold · 01-06-2014, 11:00 AM

From the Union Leader:

Home » News » Business

January 05. 2014 8:06PM
Part-owner says Woodshed Restaurant in Moultonborough unlikely to be rebuilt

ShareThis

By DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
MOULTONBOROUGH — As fire investigators continue to search for the cause of the fire that destroyed the landmark Woodshed Restaurant on Thanksgiving, one of the owners says the restaurant likely will not be rebuilt.

“We would love to try and rebuild something, but re-creating the Woodshed would be nearly impossible,” said part-owner Scott Ouellette. “We may have a memorial to it somewhere.”

The 2,000-square-foot restaurant was once a 19th-century former farmhouse. It was converted to a restaurant about 40 years ago. Ouellette bought the restaurant a little more than a year ago with three partners.

The restaurant featured 40 years of collected memorabilia and photos of famous people, like actor Henry Fonda, who ate there. The restaurant building was valued at $401,500, according to town officials.

According to employees, the last person in the restaurant had left just before 9 p.m. The fire was reported just before 10 p.m., and by 11 p.m. the building was engulfed in flames.

Local and state fire investigators have completed most of the inspection at the site, but are still interviewing the 40 former Woodshed employees about what they saw.

No cause has been ruled out, according to fire investigator Bill Clark of the state Fire Marshal’s Office, not even arson.

“Nothing has been found as the cause, and nothing has been ruled out,” Clark said. “We are still interviewing people, and any one of those interviews could lead us to the cause.”

Because the cause of the fire is still unknown, the owners of the restaurant and their insurance companies haven’t made a final decision about rebuilding.

“We really can’t do anything now. Everything is pretty much on hold,” Ouellette said.

But Ouellette said rebuilding is unlikely.

“It’s an out-of-the-way site, and whatever you build there will be something else, not The Woodshed,” he said.

“I don’t think you can ever recreate The Woodshed,” Ouellette said.

dseufert@newstote.com

BroadHopper · 01-06-2014, 11:31 AM

I had the opportunity and befriend with Mike Love at Belknap College. It was the college that brought him to this area. Same with Joe Droukas, who once owned The Mug and a talented local musician.

I followed Mike Love from one establishment to another until he retired.

Joe met a local Winnisguam beauty and moved to Clearwater FL for the winters. He summered on Mink Island. Joe past away two years ago.

I can see them now with the higher power, discussing food and the Belknap College days. They are at peace.

secondcurve · 01-06-2014, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

From the Union Leader:

Home » News » Business

January 05. 2014 8:06PM
Part-owner says Woodshed Restaurant in Moultonborough unlikely to be rebuilt

ShareThis

By DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
MOULTONBOROUGH — As fire investigators continue to search for the cause of the fire that destroyed the landmark Woodshed Restaurant on Thanksgiving, one of the owners says the restaurant likely will not be rebuilt.

“We would love to try and rebuild something, but re-creating the Woodshed would be nearly impossible,” said part-owner Scott Ouellette. “We may have a memorial to it somewhere.”

The 2,000-square-foot restaurant was once a 19th-century former farmhouse. It was converted to a restaurant about 40 years ago. Ouellette bought the restaurant a little more than a year ago with three partners.

The restaurant featured 40 years of collected memorabilia and photos of famous people, like actor Henry Fonda, who ate there. The restaurant building was valued at $401,500, according to town officials.

According to employees, the last person in the restaurant had left just before 9 p.m. The fire was reported just before 10 p.m., and by 11 p.m. the building was engulfed in flames.

Local and state fire investigators have completed most of the inspection at the site, but are still interviewing the 40 former Woodshed employees about what they saw.

No cause has been ruled out, according to fire investigator Bill Clark of the state Fire Marshal’s Office, not even arson.

“Nothing has been found as the cause, and nothing has been ruled out,” Clark said. “We are still interviewing people, and any one of those interviews could lead us to the cause.”

Because the cause of the fire is still unknown, the owners of the restaurant and their insurance companies haven’t made a final decision about rebuilding.

“We really can’t do anything now. Everything is pretty much on hold,” Ouellette said.

But Ouellette said rebuilding is unlikely.

“It’s an out-of-the-way site, and whatever you build there will be something else, not The Woodshed,” he said.

“I don’t think you can ever recreate The Woodshed,” Ouellette said.

dseufert@newstote.com

Maybe it is me but shouldn't the owner at this point be saying we are going to build at any cost if nothing else based upon emotion? Plus, the Woodshed has had such a following for so many years if the restaurant were recreated I am almost certain that following would return if for no other reason out of curiosity. I hope this story has a good ending.

Lakesrider · 12-03-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-03-2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-03-2013, 07:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-03-2013, 08:10 PM

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 · 12-04-2013, 06:42 AM

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 · 12-04-2013, 08:53 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-05-2013, 08:04 AM

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 · 12-05-2013, 10:01 AM

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 · 12-05-2013, 02:03 PM

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

Legionnaire70 · 12-08-2013, 09:01 PM

Any word yet on the cause of the fire?

Heading4thelake · 12-08-2013, 09:17 PM

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 · 12-09-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-11-2013, 09:09 AM

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.

chefbrown · 12-11-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

I think they build the new place in Lincoln around the fireplace. It was the only thing left standing.

Winnisquamguy · 12-12-2013, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefbrown

I think they build the new place in Lincoln around the fireplace. It was the only thing left standing.

You're absolutely right…we were having lunch at the Common Man in Ashland on Saturday the manager came by to see how we were doing we got talking about the Woodshed she told us about the fire in Lincoln she was the manager at the time and said that the fireplace was the only thing they saved.

secondcurve · 12-19-2013, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

You're absolutely right…we were having lunch at the Common Man in Ashland on Saturday the manager came by to see how we were doing we got talking about the Woodshed she told us about the fire in Lincoln she was the manager at the time and said that the fireplace was the only thing they saved.

Maybe the Common Man will open a restaurant there if the Woodshed can't/won't reopen? I know it wouldn't be the same but it would be better than nothing.

Does anyone know if a cause of the fire has been determined?

chipj29 · 12-19-2013, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondcurve

Maybe the Common Man will open a restaurant there if the Woodshed can't/won't reopen? I know it wouldn't be the same but it would be better than nothing.

Does anyone know if a cause of the fire has been determined?

There was an article in the Union Leader yesterday stating that they are still investigating.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/2...219260/-1/news

phoenix · 12-23-2013, 06:28 PM

would assume Scott would honor at his other restaurants but should be answered

Sal · 01-01-2014, 10:29 PM

I took these pictures the night of January 22, 2011. I actually sent them, by email, to the Woodshed email address and suggested they could use them if they wished.

Two years later, we went there and, lo and behold, one of the pictures was ON THE MENU COVER, with an attribution to a fictitious watercolorist.

Oh well, no free drink for me . . . . .

wifi · 01-02-2014, 04:55 AM

Has anyone heard of a cause yet ?

secondcurve · 01-02-2014, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifi

Has anyone heard of a cause yet ?

Nothing that I've heard. I'm sure they are trying to rule out arson especially given that the ownership of the business recently changed (it is like when a woman is murdered the first person police must rule out is the husband. Standard operating procedure). Hopefully, they find the cause soon so someone can take a run a rebuilding the restaurant.

phoenix · 01-06-2014, 12:13 PM

I am not surprised as I doubted the Woodshed would be rebuilt. the location is out of the way and the cost to even try to replicate would be large. So we all will just have to live with the memories . I only went once this past summer but had been going for over 30 years.

BroadHopper · 01-06-2014, 12:41 PM

are hard to replace the ambience.

I often felt that there should be a great restaurant at the Hathaway House next to Dunkin Donuts in Lakeport. Cafu out of Mass. wants the building gone period! Even though the sign out front says for sale or lease, he makes it tough for anyone to buy or lease. He will sell or lease the building but basically it does not include the land.

tis · 01-06-2014, 01:42 PM

I am not surprised either as I already said.

The Hathaway House was a restaurant at one time. We had a gift certificate there but it burned before we used it.

12-02-2013, 10:28 AM	#4
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,600 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,462 Thanked 1,983 Times in 1,083 Posts	Some "If's" ... 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. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

12-02-2013, 03:34 PM	#5
Billy Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough Posts: 319 Thanks: 128 Thanked 167 Times in 101 Posts	the loss is not replaceable 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 .

12-02-2013, 08:56 PM	#9
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,556 Thanks: 61 Thanked 276 Times in 194 Posts	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 __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

01-02-2014, 10:03 AM	#11
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,354 Thanks: 948 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	Where exactly was the Sweetwater Inn? __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

01-02-2014, 03:52 PM	#15
dippasan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hooksett NH and Sleepers Isl Posts: 392 Thanks: 288 Thanked 190 Times in 83 Posts	Mike Love FYI...I just did a Google search for the Sweetwater Inn NH and found an obituary for Mike Love. I was unaware that he passed away in 2008 in Panama where he and his wife retired, due to complications from a stroke. RIP Mike!! I thought some of you might want to know. __________________ Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity

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12-02-2013, 07:34 PM	#8
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,749 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	Unfortunately, Vita I agree. I will also be surprised if BB is proven wrong.

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01-02-2014, 04:53 PM	#16
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,749 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	It was discussed on here, dippasan, you must have missed it.

01-06-2014, 11:00 AM	#18
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	rebuilding of Wodshed Unlikely From the Union Leader: Home » News » Business January 05. 2014 8:06PM Part-owner says Woodshed Restaurant in Moultonborough unlikely to be rebuilt ShareThis By DAN SEUFERT Union Leader Correspondent MOULTONBOROUGH — As fire investigators continue to search for the cause of the fire that destroyed the landmark Woodshed Restaurant on Thanksgiving, one of the owners says the restaurant likely will not be rebuilt. “We would love to try and rebuild something, but re-creating the Woodshed would be nearly impossible,” said part-owner Scott Ouellette. “We may have a memorial to it somewhere.” The 2,000-square-foot restaurant was once a 19th-century former farmhouse. It was converted to a restaurant about 40 years ago. Ouellette bought the restaurant a little more than a year ago with three partners. The restaurant featured 40 years of collected memorabilia and photos of famous people, like actor Henry Fonda, who ate there. The restaurant building was valued at $401,500, according to town officials. According to employees, the last person in the restaurant had left just before 9 p.m. The fire was reported just before 10 p.m., and by 11 p.m. the building was engulfed in flames. Local and state fire investigators have completed most of the inspection at the site, but are still interviewing the 40 former Woodshed employees about what they saw. No cause has been ruled out, according to fire investigator Bill Clark of the state Fire Marshal’s Office, not even arson. “Nothing has been found as the cause, and nothing has been ruled out,” Clark said. “We are still interviewing people, and any one of those interviews could lead us to the cause.” Because the cause of the fire is still unknown, the owners of the restaurant and their insurance companies haven’t made a final decision about rebuilding. “We really can’t do anything now. Everything is pretty much on hold,” Ouellette said. But Ouellette said rebuilding is unlikely. “It’s an out-of-the-way site, and whatever you build there will be something else, not The Woodshed,” he said. “I don’t think you can ever recreate The Woodshed,” Ouellette said. dseufert@newstote.com __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

01-06-2014, 11:31 AM	#19
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,583 Thanks: 3,226 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	Sweet Memories I had the opportunity and befriend with Mike Love at Belknap College. It was the college that brought him to this area. Same with Joe Droukas, who once owned The Mug and a talented local musician. I followed Mike Love from one establishment to another until he retired. Joe met a local Winnisguam beauty and moved to Clearwater FL for the winters. He summered on Mink Island. Joe past away two years ago. I can see them now with the higher power, discussing food and the Belknap College days. They are at peace. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

12-03-2013, 08:10 PM	#24
blacksheep Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Plymouth, NH Posts: 63 Thanks: 98 Thanked 47 Times in 25 Posts	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!

12-04-2013, 06:42 AM	#25
secondcurve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,118 Thanks: 1,329 Thanked 559 Times in 288 Posts	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.

12-05-2013, 08:04 AM	#27
jniff101 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 113 Thanks: 23 Thanked 18 Times in 12 Posts	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.

12-05-2013, 10:01 AM	#28
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	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 __________________

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mcdude For This Useful Post:
blacksheep (12-05-2013), Just Sold (12-09-2013)

12-05-2013, 02:03 PM	#29
jniff101 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 113 Thanks: 23 Thanked 18 Times in 12 Posts	Thanks Mcdude. I saw those but if I enlarge it, it gets fuzzy

12-08-2013, 09:01 PM	#30
Legionnaire70 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 119 Thanks: 25 Thanked 31 Times in 21 Posts	Any word yet on the cause of the fire?

12-08-2013, 09:17 PM	#31
Heading4thelake Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wolfeboro/Ct. Posts: 67 Thanks: 113 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	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.....

12-11-2013, 09:09 AM	#33
Shore Driver Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tolland CT Posts: 194 Thanks: 20 Thanked 31 Times in 25 Posts	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.

12-23-2013, 06:28 PM	#38
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,556 Thanks: 61 Thanked 276 Times in 194 Posts	would assume Scott would honor at his other restaurants but should be answered __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

01-01-2014, 10:29 PM	#39
Sal Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 311 Thanks: 103 Thanked 169 Times in 53 Posts	pictures of the Woodshed I took these pictures the night of January 22, 2011. I actually sent them, by email, to the Woodshed email address and suggested they could use them if they wished. Two years later, we went there and, lo and behold, one of the pictures was ON THE MENU COVER, with an attribution to a fictitious watercolorist. Oh well, no free drink for me . . . . . Attached Images

01-02-2014, 04:55 AM	#40
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	Has anyone heard of a cause yet ?

01-06-2014, 12:13 PM	#42
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,556 Thanks: 61 Thanked 276 Times in 194 Posts	I am not surprised as I doubted the Woodshed would be rebuilt. the location is out of the way and the cost to even try to replicate would be large. So we all will just have to live with the memories . I only went once this past summer but had been going for over 30 years. __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

01-06-2014, 12:41 PM	#43
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,583 Thanks: 3,226 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	Farmhouses and Victorian Homes are hard to replace the ambience. I often felt that there should be a great restaurant at the Hathaway House next to Dunkin Donuts in Lakeport. Cafu out of Mass. wants the building gone period! Even though the sign out front says for sale or lease, he makes it tough for anyone to buy or lease. He will sell or lease the building but basically it does not include the land. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

01-06-2014, 01:42 PM	#44
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,749 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	I am not surprised either as I already said. The Hathaway House was a restaurant at one time. We had a gift certificate there but it burned before we used it.