New Business: Muddy River Smokehouse makes comeback; Market and Main celebrates milestone
Jonathan Phelps, The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
5 min read
Sep. 27—MORE THAN A decade after closing in Portsmouth, the Muddy River Smokehouse will be serving up its signature dishes once again — this time in Newfields.
It wasn't necessarily part of Dan Posternak's plan to reopen, but the 2 acres he purchased to operate a wedding and event space at the former Fire and Spice Bistro offered a perfect spot for a BBQ joint. The place was completely renovated and now features a 18-seat bar and plenty of TVs. The outdoor patio features a fire pit and classic lawn games like horseshoes.
"We said, 'Let's get the restaurant open first, and we will work on the venue space after,'" Posternak said. "We are bringing back the barbecue and we are smoking everything ourselves."
Muddy River officially opens on Monday at 70 Route 108.
Posternak opened Muddy River in Portsmouth in 1995 and operated it before selling it in 2006 to focus on his catering business, Chill Catering, and later opened the Roundabout Diner in Portsmouth. Muddy River shifted to a seafood concept under the new ownership before closing.
Posternak's son, Jake, is co-owner and manager of the new venture. Kurt Devay, former executive chef at Cure restaurant in Portsmouth, will help oversee the kitchen and cook up some mouthwatering dishes.
"We are smoking pork for 15 hours and beef brisket and ribs and chicken and pork belly," Posternak said. Can't forget the chicken wings tossed in buffalo, house barbecue, Carolina BBQ or maple bourbon dry rub ($11.99). The menu also features smashburgers, catfish, soups and salads.
"We wanted to do what we do well and start from there," Posternak said.
Even the cheesecake is flavored with a cold smoke.
The transformation took longer than expected in having to upgrade the space to meet modern-day codes. The largest task involved moving a staircase to install the new bar, which will feature craft beer from near and far.
"We had to start from scratch. We basically gutted the whole building," Posternak said. "New walls, new insulation, new doors, new everything."
Besides the future 200-person event venue, 1790 House Wedding & Event Space, an ice cream stand is also in the works.
Some members of the Newfields Fire Department attended the soft opening of the new restaurant last Wednesday night and gave a quick review on Facebook: "Great atmosphere, great staff and great food!"
Market and Main milestone
Earlier this month, Sullivan Construction held a "topping off" ceremony for Building D at the Market and Main development in Bedford. The new building is right next to the new REI outdoor store.
The ceremony included lowering a 725-pound beam adorned with an American flag and fir tree.
"The topping off of Building D signifies an achievement for both the project team and the Bedford community. This development will not only elevate the retail landscape but also provide a welcoming space for businesses and residents alike," Tom Sullivan, president of Sullivan Construction, said in a statement.
Two more buildings are also planned as part of the development.
The project developer, Encore Commercial, recently announced Sephora, a beauty company, opened at the property.
Sweetgreen, a restaurant known for its salads, warm bowls, protein plates and sides, is set to open its second New Hampshire location there as well.
Turkish treats
The owners of Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant in Somersworth have opened Cafe Anatolia, which offers a fusion of both traditional and cultural coffees, savory pastries and Turkish desserts. The cafe at 58 High St. is a couple streets over from the restaurant at 2 Main St.
The social media pages for the new cafe are filled with pictures of tres leches cake, pistachio baklava and tulumba, which is described as being like a churro. The place offers traditional coffees and Turkish blends, according to its Facebook page. The menu also includes sandwiches.
The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
A little tip: "It is the building next to City Hall. It is not the same building where Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant is," a post reads.
C'est Cheese to move
A popular cheese shop in North Hampton, C'est Cheese, is moving to a new spot just down the road in Hampton.
The last day at 61 Lafayette Road in North Hampton will be Oct. 15. The new shop at 845 Lafayette Road at the Community Oven Plaza will be Nov. 1, according to a Facebook post.
"In addition to a bigger store, we will also be launching an extended menu to be served at our new wine bar!" the post reads. "Thank you for all of your love and support for this location over the years, and here's to making many more memories at our new building!"
Jersey Mike's opens in Rochester
Jersey Mike's Subs continues to expand its presence in the Granite State.
The new location is at 155 Marketplace Blvd. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new business operated by franchise owner Matt Goyette.
Jersey Mike's is known for its meats and cheeses that are sliced on the spot on bread baked in store and made the "Mike's Way" with the freshest vegetables — onions, lettuce and tomatoes — topped off with "an exquisite zing of 'the juice,' red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend."
The restaurant's hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
