Sep. 30—THE FORMER Lemay Brothers Jewelers sign on Elm Street in Manchester glows again, but the original neon cursive letters have been retrofitted to a more energy-efficient LED fixture.

The redevelopment of the building, at 1217 Elm St., will bring 35 apartments, some designated as workforce housing. The space also was once home to Fournier Furniture and later Raxx Billiards.

Portsmouth Sign Co. refurbished the Lemay sign and designed a new art deco inspired "Signature on Elm" sign.

"From design to fabrication and installation, our skilled team has put their heart and soul into creating eye-catching, top-quality signs that perfectly complement this modern development," Portsmouth Sign wrote on Facebook.

The Manchester Planning Board approved the project in 2018.

North & South Construction Services in Newington is doing the work.

Drinks and sweets

The newest offerings at the Ice Cream Bar in Hillsborough are only fitting — 21-plus drinks.

The ice cream shop located in The Emporium, 5 W. Main St., received a restaurant on-premises beverage and wine license from the state liquor commission on Sept. 21. The drinks come with new menu items, including mac n' cheese waffle cones for $6 or a bowl for $8 (add meat for $4).Charcuterie Cups run $8.

The 21-plus drinks includes a selection of beers, White Claw beverages and a house-made red sangria.

Before adding more food and drink items, the business was known for its "wacky shakes" and ice cream dishes. The shakes are $12 for a regular size and $18 for the "Big Boy."

Dream come true

The opening of La Familia Mexican Bar and Grill at 588 Tenney Mountain Highway in Plymouth is a dream come true for owners Leo and Alexa Vazquez. The two ran Cielito Mexican Restaurant in Bristol for the last four years.

"I've worked in the restaurant business for over fifteen years, I love seeing everyone happy with a great meal, being with family, friends and having a nice time out," Leo Vazquez said in a statement.

The name represents the fact that the Vazquezs view their staff and patrons as family. The restaurant officially opened over Labor Day weekend.

"We enjoy creating authentic food from the finest ingredients and adding in some Cuban influences and spices as well," Leo Vazquez said.

The couple opened the restaurant with financing from Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, Grafton County Regional Development Council and Granite State Development Corporation.

Party time

A unique new store has opened at the Mall of New Hampshire and designed to help bedazzle any party with balloons.

Decorex Balloons held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 21.The store is located between Macy's and Claire's.

The store specializes in personalized balloon displays, gift baskets, chocolates and flower arrangements. The business also delivers to New Hampshire and Massachusetts customers.

Sold and closed

The Kitchen on East Main Street in Warner has been sold and is permanently closed. A new establishment is expected to open later this fall.

"Thanks to the lack of skilled cooks in our area we have been forced to sell and move on," the restaurant's website reads.

Owner/Chef Michael Prete will focus on the Portsmouth Catering Co. This will be the first time in 14 years he hasn't owned a restaurant.

He was open about some of the challenges post-pandemic.

"I wish I could say it's been fun, but the years after the pandemic kicked our ass, we were very busy, but we can't be open four days a week, pay the bills and keep the demand fulfilled," he wrote.

If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.