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Old 01-11-2023, 04:25 PM   #1
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Default Kitchen Cravings Building

Not a restaurant review (since they are no longer).

I have a friend that is an experienced restaurant owner who was was asking me what I knew about the spot and its history. I don't have any info on personally, never went there. I know it has been vacant for some time now.

Does anyone have information on the building, business history, basically what has been going on with it? He is looking to open a place in the area. Seems odd it has been vacant this long, I figure there must be a reason behind it.
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Old 01-11-2023, 04:33 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by codeman671 View Post
Not a restaurant review (since they are no longer).

I have a friend that is an experienced restaurant owner who was was asking me what I knew about the spot and its history. I don't have any info on personally, never went there. I know it has been vacant for some time now.

Does anyone have information on the building, business history, basically what has been going on with it? He is looking to open a place in the area. Seems odd it has been vacant this long, I figure there must be a reason behind it.
Don't know much about the buildings history but its a great location for a restaurant as it has plenty of parking, easy access and high exposure in a good commercial area of Gilford... Most likely the reason its been sitting for so long is price...not sure though.

Dan
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Old 01-11-2023, 05:13 PM   #3
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Don’t quote me on this, but I think the building is on airport property and must be leased from the airport.
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Old 01-11-2023, 05:37 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by ishoot308 View Post
Don't know much about the buildings history but its a great location for a restaurant as it has plenty of parking, easy access and high exposure in a good commercial area of Gilford... Most likely the reason its been sitting for so long is price...not sure though.

Dan
I went to Kitchen Cravings once two owners ago. The visit was not particularly good or bad but I never went back.


In my opinion it is in no man's land with poor visibility and an ingress that does not line up with the view of the building from Route 11. So if one is heading to Alton it's easy to miss.

I do not know why the most recent owners closed it or how financially successful it was for the prior owners. I can speculate that opening a restaurant there would likely be the equivalent to buying a job. I see it only functioning as a mom and pop with both working long, hard hours for a return that at best equals what they could make as employees. Amy debt taken on the venture makes this worse.

Last edited by 8gv; 01-11-2023 at 06:28 PM.
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Old 01-11-2023, 06:09 PM   #5
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When it was first built it was a bank. I can't remember the name of the bank
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Old 01-11-2023, 06:11 PM   #6
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I think when it was a bank there was a curb cut i.e. direct access from Rt 11, and the airport access was on the same cut. Much better for a retail business to have easy access.
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Old 01-11-2023, 06:27 PM   #7
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Default Bank Building

The building was originally a drive-thru bank. It sat empty for a while. Bill and Sally converted it into a restaurant. They were successful and retired.

Not sure why the restaurant closed under the new owners. Rumors were that the servings were smaller and the price is higher. I really think the last owners didn't have their hearts set to it.

It is a good location. With so many good restaurants around, you need to be on top of the game. Plenty of room to expand.
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Old 01-11-2023, 06:31 PM   #8
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With the first owners the lines were out the door. The food was very good. I’d been there about ten times over four years. Very cozy atmosphere. I hope someone resurrects it.


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Old 01-11-2023, 07:07 PM   #9
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Default cravings

codeman, give me a call 603-7076522 for more info 73
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Old 01-11-2023, 07:09 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 8gv View Post
I went to Kitchen Cravings once two owners ago. The visit was not particularly good or bad but I never went back.


In my opinion it is in no man's land with poor visibility and an ingress that does not line up with the view of the building from Route 11. So if one is heading to Alton it's easy to miss.
“No man’s land”, “poor visibility”?? Your kidding right? It’s on the absolute busiest street in Gilford with a fantastic exposure in the front with nice landscaping…..
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Old 01-11-2023, 08:13 PM   #11
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It's just one man's opinion so we shall see.
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Old 01-12-2023, 07:59 AM   #12
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I would enjoy breakfast there once a month or so when Bill and Sally were there. They worked hard but seemed to give a bigger piece to the landlord than to their own pocket.

Negotiate the right lease.

Also: if a liquor license is in the model check with town before committing. KC only had beer and wine.

Best of luck😊
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Old 01-12-2023, 10:49 AM   #13
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codeman, give me a call 603-7076522 for more info 73
I will have Mike call you.
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Old 01-12-2023, 12:46 PM   #14
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When it was first built it was a bank. I can't remember the name of the bank
Cash Cravings, IIRC.
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Old 04-05-2023, 07:23 AM   #15
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The recent activity at the Christmas Island restaurant site has me wondering if anything is stirring on this one.
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Old 04-05-2023, 07:27 AM   #16
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Both Kitchen Cravings and Christmas Island have recently sold. I have heard the buyer on Christmas Island is looking to open/operate themselves. Don't recall what is going into Kitchen Cravings but heard a lot of money was being put into it.
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Old 04-05-2023, 07:33 AM   #17
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the recent activity at the christmas island restaurant site has me wondering if anything is stirring on this one.
i read this morning that it's gonna be paugus bay pub...check the lds.
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Old 04-05-2023, 12:38 PM   #18
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Paugus Bay Pub Article in the Laconia daily Sun
https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...49da290ce.html
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Old 04-05-2023, 11:08 PM   #19
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i read this morning that it's gonna be paugus bay pub...check the lds.
PBP is going into the Christmas Island site.

My curiosity is about the Kitchen Cravings site by the Laconia Airport.
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Old 05-02-2023, 04:32 PM   #20
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Wink Kitchen Cravings

OK, a few items to respond to other comments.

KC is located on Laconia Airport property (15 Airport Road) and the land is leased from the Airport Authority.

The second owner (the one who bought it from Bill and Sally Bickford) really had little idea how to run a restaurant. As others have mentioned, the servings got smaller, the prices went up, and the quality went down. I believe it was Covid that finally 'killed' KC as the owner wasn't able to retain staff, particularly after deciding to become a seasonal restaurant.

I believe there is a Purchase and Sales Agreement that has been signed, the purchaser an existing Lakes Region restaurateur with two existing restaurants in the area. (I can say that it isn't Alan Beetle, owner of Patrick's. Beyond that I can say nothing.) It is also my understanding the buyer wants to add on to the building and parking lot in order to accommodate more patrons.

Last edited by Weekend Pundit; 05-02-2023 at 04:34 PM. Reason: Additional info about plans.
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Old 05-03-2023, 08:23 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit View Post

...I believe there is a Purchase and Sales Agreement that has been signed, the purchaser an existing Lakes Region restaurateur with two existing restaurants in the area. (I can say that it isn't Alan Beetle, owner of Patrick's. Beyond that I can say nothing.) It is also my understanding the buyer wants to add on to the building and parking lot in order to accommodate more patrons.
I'd love to see an elevated deck or second story to be better able to watch the air traffic. Perhaps with a plexiglass wall to shield traffic noise on Rt 11?
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Old 05-10-2023, 02:31 PM   #22
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Post Update On Kitchen Cravings Status

I heard through the Laconia Airport grapevine that the closing on the sale of KC is coming soon. I do know a lease agreement for the land on which KC stands has has been signed which is a good sign.

I expect the new owner will come before the Gilford Planning Board at some point for an amended site plan to show the changes they will be making.

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I'd love to see an elevated deck or second story to be better able to watch the air traffic. Perhaps with a plexiglass wall to shield traffic noise on Rt 11?
Descant, if you would like to suggest these changes then I would recommend attending the Gilford Planning Board meeting when the new owners will present their plans. PB meetings are open to the public and are noticed in the LDS and the Gilford town website. (No, at the moment I have no idea when that will happen. If/when I do, I'll post it here.)

Once the closing on KC has taken place I will be able to disclose the identity of the new owners.
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Old 05-10-2023, 02:35 PM   #23
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I heard that the owner of the Breeze and Elacoya is opening a BBQ joint there…
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Old 05-10-2023, 03:19 PM   #24
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I’ve heard that the Ellacoya/Breeze people are opening Breeze on the Bay in Lakeview Tavern in Meredith. Any truth to that?


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Old 05-12-2023, 03:14 PM   #25
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Smile Breeze At Meredith Bay

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I’ve heard that the Ellacoya/Breeze people are opening Breeze on the Bay in Lakeview Tavern in Meredith. Any truth to that?
I have heard more than a few folks talking about them opening a Breeze in Meredith, but I have not heard any details. It wouldn't surprise me, though.
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Old 05-16-2023, 10:27 AM   #26
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I’ve heard that the Ellacoya/Breeze people are opening Breeze on the Bay in Lakeview Tavern in Meredith. Any truth to that?


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Yes I have heard that, indirectly from one of the owners.
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Old 05-16-2023, 11:24 AM   #27
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Default Good Luck!

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Yes I have heard that, indirectly from one of the owners.
Good luck to them...They have done a good job with keeping the Breeze busy that's for sure!...

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Old 05-18-2023, 06:24 PM   #28
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Post More On Kitchen Cravings Sale

Some more info - the lot where KC is located is actually much larger than most folks realize which will allow for the new owners more than enough room to expand the restaurant and parking lots. The balance of the lot to the east is not cleared and is almost a acre in size.

The closing hasn't taken place yet but is expected soon. Projected opening date is sometime this fall, dependent upon how quickly the renovations and addition(s) can be done. This in turn is dependent on contractor availability.

I for one am looking forward to seeing an active restaurant there again...as are a lot of pilots from places near and far. (We like trying out the cuisine of 'airport' restaurants, i.e. restaurants located on or near airport grounds.) There is a gate near Cravings which allows transient pilots to reach the restaurant from the nearby ramp where they've parked their aircraft.
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Old 05-18-2023, 07:44 PM   #29
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So many new restaurants opening in the area. KC, whiskey bar on Union Ave, Christmas Island, Main by the Weirs. Also heard CM bought Friendly’s for a diner. All great but where are they going to get the help. Currents restaurants are still short on labor.


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Old 05-19-2023, 07:12 AM   #30
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So many new restaurants opening in the area. KC, whiskey bar on Union Ave, Christmas Island, Main by the Weirs. Also heard CM bought Friendly’s for a diner. All great but where are they going to get the help. Currents restaurants are still short on labor.


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What usually happens is they steal the best workers from other restaurants. You may see a lot of turn over at your favorite spots.
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Old 05-19-2023, 08:01 AM   #31
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What usually happens is they steal the best workers from other restaurants. You may see a lot of turn over at your favorite spots.
Absolutely. My ex just quit a long time local establishment to work at a new one.


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Old 05-19-2023, 02:36 PM   #32
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Question Old Friendly's site

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Also heard CM bought Friendly’s for a diner. All great but where are they going to get the help.
"CM" as in Common Man? Or some other "CM"?

Either way, it will be nice to see the Friendly's location operating again.
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Old 05-19-2023, 02:42 PM   #33
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"CM" as in Common Man? Or some other "CM"?

Either way, it will be nice to see the Friendly's location operating again.
Yes Common Man. Supposed to be something like the 104 and Tilton Diners.


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Old 05-19-2023, 02:52 PM   #34
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Thumbs up CM at Friendly's

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Yes Common Man. Supposed to be something like the 104 and Tilton Diners.
Oh, very cool! I am looking forward to that! Let us hope that does come to fruition.
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Old 06-02-2023, 01:22 PM   #35
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Post Kitchen Cravings Sale

It is my understanding the last of the paperwork needed to close the sale of Kitchen Cravings has been completed and the closing is imminent.

The sale to the owners of the Ellacoya Barn & Grille and The Breeze, both in Gilford, just requires signatures. There were some paperwork updates required relating to the lease agreement between the Laconia Airport Authority and the buyers for the lot on which KC stands before the closing could take place and those updates have apparently be completed.
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Old 08-30-2023, 10:29 PM   #36
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Any news on this?
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Old 09-02-2023, 06:16 AM   #37
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Nothing happening but now there is a new for sale sign up
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Old 01-17-2024, 06:23 PM   #38
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Hmmm......
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Old 01-17-2024, 07:36 PM   #39
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Hopefully, whoever buys it, will return it to the previous format:
Good food, 'reasonable' prices, and great service !
Time will tell......
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Old 01-18-2024, 10:16 AM   #40
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I had heard it fell apart, but not sure why.
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