Willows Rest.

[LadyKey]

Does anyone know if the Willows Rest. at Weirs has sold. We saw one of their bartenders working down at Church Landing. She told us that the drinks were getting too expensive and they were not doing to much business. Hope another restaurant goes in there.

[Old Hubbard Rd]

I was there about 3 weeks ago. I've always had good dinners. I hope they do well. It's nice having a good selection of restaurants to go to. Seen to many come and go.

[mr1drfl]

I heard they were closing. Not sure if just for the winter, or for good. One of the waitstaff told me it could be real soon. Damn, I am going to miss that place!

[jetskier]

I heard they were closing. Not sure if just for the winter, or for good. One of the waitstaff told me it could be real soon. Damn, I am going to miss that place!

The Willows started out well, however, they have become pretty mediocre recently. Most of the bar staff has gone down the road to the Ellacoya Barn and Grille. They don't rotate their menu and recent experiences (mine) have been poor. Maybe the next restaurant will be better.

Jetskier:cool:

[AC2717]

I tried to get in there on the Sunday of Columbus Day they were closed? anyone tell me why?

[moose tracks]

We heard they went bankrupt, closed suddenly without even telling their employees.

[Irish mist]

They are closed down for good.

[obie]

Had dinner there with my wife in the beginning of Oct., food as usual was very good.

The hostess gave us a notice and told us that they would be open on Thanksgiving. Sure glad we didn't plan on going there with the family!

[texas chopper]

I was told from friends who ate there last tues. nite that owner gave all employees a note at the end of the night. Next day the bar was cleaned out.
This used to be the Place to Go a few years back. The last 12-18 months the quality of there meals were marginal. A friend put it this way, If you go to the Willows with low expectations you won't be disapointed. I quess to many people felt that way and went elsewere.

[vrrooom]

Surprise the Willows crew has just opened in the 1875 tavern fromerly run by Johanne Oliver in Tilton. We had a sunday brunch and it was identical to the one from the place in Weirs, including the same friendly faces serving and preparing the food. They had a soft opening ie no publicity but the food was great as usual.:)

[texas chopper]

I wonder if they are honoring Willows gift certificates? It would be good PR if that happens. Several people I know got stuck with them when they closed up. One was bought the night they closed, thats not right.

[mr1drfl]

Nope, they're not honoring willows gift certificates. I called, they said it was the same owners, but an entirley different entity. I got burned for 150.00 in gift certificates. And you know what the kicker is? I always forgot the damn things when I went there! I'll never step foot in the place. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[obie]

I agree it would leave a bad taste in my mouth too! I would be reluctant to dine there after hearing that. Hopefully nobody will purchase gift certificates in the Tilton restaurant.......who knows if it will be open after New Year's.

[AC2717]

where exactly in Tilton is it, I thought they dismantled that place for the Walgreens that is being built in front of the J.Jill Warehouse.

[SIKSUKR]

That was Killiopes.I don't think this is the correct spelling.

[AC2717]

That was Killiopes.I don't think this is the correct spelling.

thank you,
so where is this new willows then exactly?

[jrc]

Kalliope's was called Oliver's several years ago. Maybe that's the confusion. They are both gone and soon to be replaced by drug store. They sure had a lot of work going on there all summer putting a foundation. Looked like an issue with wet soil. I'm surprised that they didn't have permit issues with wetlands, there's a brook right there.

The 1875 Inn is on the other side of RT93 towards Tilton Center.

I've been burned by resturant gift certificates before. Next time cash.

[Weirs guy]

They sure had a lot of work going on there all summer putting a foundation. Looked like an issue with wet soil. I'm surprised that they didn't have permit issues with wetlands, there's a brook right there.

I couldn't believe that Olivers got a permit to fill in the back parking lot years ago. When I was a teenager we used to wheel out in that spot in Tilton Sands old clay pit. We buried 3 trucks one day out there!:eek:

Anyone know what happened to Johanne Oliver?

[LadyKey]

I cannot believe that the same owner now operates a restaurant in the 1875 Inn in Tilton. He went belly up over at Weirs Beach, now he is now operating under another entity. I hope know one goes there because of the underhanded things he did over at his other place, like giving out gift certificates that you cannot use even in the other restaurant. Somethings never change.

[Irish mist]

Nope, they're not honoring willows gift certificates. I called, they said it was the same owners, but an entirley different entity. I got burned for 150.00 in gift certificates. And you know what the kicker is? I always forgot the damn things when I went there! I'll never step foot in the place. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Sorry to hear you lost so much money.....you would think the owner would have the good sense to honor the former gift certificates & try and build up some goodwill for his new business. But I suppose it's no surprise considering his track record.

[Phantom]

Wasn't the Willows owned/operated by the daughter of the Nazwa's owner? Or was it sold (I'm always a day late).

[BroadHopper]

Nope. The owner married a Makris. The owner sold M&J's in Belmont to open Willows

[nerual721]

Hopefully this helps! Pass the word - I will give anyone 15% off their whole bill - liquor included - who presents a Willows Gift Certificate at THE LYONS' DEN. I can't afford to honor the face amount but at least they will be worth something here. Happy Holidays!! :)

[Irish mist]

Hopefully this helps! Pass the word - I will give anyone 15% off their whole bill - liquor included - who presents a Willows Gift Certificate at THE LYONS' DEN. I can't afford to honor the face amount but at least they will be worth something here. Happy Holidays!! :)

There you go !:) A smart business person. Good for you. I have never been to your place, but now I'm going to make a point of stopping in.

[SteveA]

I have never been to your place, but now I'm going to make a point of stopping in.

Lyons Den is wonderful.. :):)

[mcdude]

Lauren: I don't have a gift certificate from the Willows....I do have $200 worth of gift certificates from Ristorante la Contadina in Farmington though which closed recently!! At any rate....we'll be in next week! Glad to see you are still hanging in there...just wait until the lake freezes and I'm sure lots of snowmobilers will be stopping in!

CLICK HERE for UPDATED MENU (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3nm2c/lyonsden/)

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3nm2c/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/ldbackgroundview2long.jpg.w560h204.jpg

[Hermit Cover]

Heading for VA for the Holidays but will see you after we return....Have a wonderful 2008 ...see you soon. HC and Mrs. HC.... What a fine restaurant you have given us!!

[SIKSUKR]

Now that's a great offer from smart business people.I have no gift certificates but I will be there because of this kind of attitude.

[riverat]

Also The Lyons den offers Gift Certificates through Restaurant.com at this address: http://www.theidealmeal.com/index.asp which enables you to purchase for 1/2 price. example, $50.00 gift certificate for $25.00
There are stipulation that vary for different restaurants but it is a good deal for some great food. I had stumbled upon it earlier this year and found it to be a good thing, just thought I would pass it along.

[GWC...]

Also The Lyons den offers Gift Certificates through Restaurant.com at this address: http://www.theidealmeal.com/index.asp which enables you to purchase for 1/2 price. example, $50.00 gift certificate for $25.00
There are stipulation that vary for different restaurants but it is a good deal for some great food. I had stumbled upon it earlier this year and found it to be a good thing, just thought I would pass it along.
Here's their listing within 25 miles of Laconia... (http://www.theidealmeal.com/listings.asp?Zip=03246&SearchRadius=25)

[Phantom]

GWC & others -- Great site, but answer me this if you could.

In the stipulations, many put this phrase (or similar) ---> "Valid with a minimum food purchase of $35/2 dinner entrees" --

What exactly are they saying? The certificate is valid provided that it's applied to a dinner for two, with a tab greater than $70.00?

As usual.... I remain dazed and confused with "fine print"

[Old Hubbard Rd]

You must spend $35 total at minimum for the 2 dinners. So when you get the bill it will look something like this:

Total spend $40.00-$25.00 certificate = $15.00 total due

[nerual721]

They allow you to customize the gift certificates. Ours are good on Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday (i.e. not on Friday and Saturday) and the gratuity is added in @ 20% before the $25 deduction. Restaurant.com has several of their own stipulations as well, one certificate per table, as noted above 2 entrees with a minimum purchase of $35. And they allow only one certificate per month per restaurant. It has been a good program for us. They also offer $10 lunch certificates. Hope to see all of you soon at the Lyons' Den :)

[Phantom]

Thank you --

[Dave M]

Haven't been to Lyon's Den, sounds like a good place to try. Would like to get more specific info. When it mentions $35/2 for dinners, does that include appetizers,soups,salads.

Thanks Dave M

[jetskier]

Haven't been to Lyon's Den, sounds like a good place to try. Would like to get more specific info. When it mentions $35/2 for dinners, does that include appetizers,soups,salads.

Thanks Dave M
Hi Dave,

I am including a link to their web page. It includes a menu with pricing.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3nm2c/lyonsden/index.html

I have been pleased with the food and atmosphere there. I need to make a point of going there more often.

Jetskier:cool:

[Aquadeziac]

So what youre all saying is that when Willows opened they honored any and all M&J Gift Certificates? After all, they are the same entity, right?? You people need to lighten up a little. There probably isn't one of you that knows the complete first hand back story behind what happened. You want someone to believe that If a person ownes a Midas Muffler franchise then got out and bought a Speedi Lube franchise that he should honor Midas Coupons/Certificates at his Speedi Lube? Yuh....I can really see that happening! I have run different bussiness' in my lifetime and know about keeping separate entitys separate. Its a legal and financial thing. If, God forbid, Lyon's Den has a negative financial turn will everyone also be so quick to shred them in this forum too? I personally have frequented Lyons Den and Willows and will continue to patronize both as I have enjoyed great food, atmosphere and service at both. Cut the people some slack. Life is too short.
Thank you and goodnight!!:cool:

[jetskier]

So what youre all saying is that when Willows opened they honored any and all M&J Gift Certificates? After all, they are the same entity, right?? You people need to lighten up a little. There probably isn't one of you that knows the complete first hand back story behind what happened. You want someone to believe that If a person ownes a Midas Muffler franchise then got out and bought a Speedi Lube franchise that he should honor Midas Coupons/Certificates at his Speedi Lube? Yuh....I can really see that happening! I have run different bussiness' in my lifetime and know about keeping separate entitys separate. Its a legal and financial thing. If, God forbid, Lyon's Den has a negative financial turn will everyone also be so quick to shred them in this forum too? I personally have frequented Lyons Den and Willows and will continue to patronize both as I have enjoyed great food, atmosphere and service at both. Cut the people some slack. Life is too short.
Thank you and goodnight!!:cool:

I think that folks are justified in being upset when they are encouraged to buy gift certificates and the business disappears shortly thereafter. Willows was extremely active in pushing gift certificates and there is speculation that it was a measure to cover some financial short falls. Believe me that when a business goes under creditors that are owed (and don't receive) money remember forever.

Willows treated their patrons with disdain and the employees worse (I know someone who worked there).

Just my 2 cents
Jetskier:cool:

[Old Hubbard Rd]

I understand the owner of Willows have opened up in Tilton. If so what is the name of the new place?? Their old website still works. Maybe they are still trying to sell gift cards?? Just a joke... This is an interesting situation. Most folks, not all, that go out of business do not go back into the same type of business or open a new place a very short time later. I would find that someone that was selling gift cards up to hours before closing a bit unethical. I would suggest a boycott of the new place unless one could give a good reason why you would do this to the nice customers that did enjoy going to this restaurant. If you check my previous post I really enjoyed this place. Going out of business is one thing. Taking advantage of people is another. I know several people that got stuff with giftcards. Let's have a formal BOYCOTT unless the owner give a damn good explaination!!:eek:

[riverat]

http://www.newhampshire.com/shopping/nh-gift-certificate-law.aspx

[Resident 2B]

Thanks for the link, Riverat!

I am holding three $50 gift certificates that I purchased about a week before Willow's closed. I intended to give them as Christmas presents to family members, but with the closing, I still have them.

I heard about the opening of a new place in Tilton and visited to see who was running the place. It sure looks like Willow's to me. The only real difference is the location. So I conclude if it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck and walks like a duck, it is a duck.

I am wondering if Willow's ever filed for bankruptcy protection when they closed, and if so, are they a new legal entity in Tilton. If they did this, I wonder how the NH Gift Certificate law applies to the holder of the Willow's gift certificates with respect to the old business or if the certificate holders have any claim in the backruptcy process.

I am also wondering how legal it is to sell a gift certificate knowing you are about to close, and then reopen with a new name, in the same type of business and in the same geographical area. Something here must be against some NH law.

Skip, I know you are busy on other subjects in this great forum, but if you had some time to comment on this, it could help many of us.


R2B

[Weirs guy]

I would find that someone that was selling gift cards up to hours before closing a bit unethical.

I prefer the term "shady", but OHR is right on with that one. Aquadeziac has a point, but if someone sells me a gift cert when they know they are closing soon thats just, well, shady. I doubt thats something anyone would encourage. And judging by a few of my past experiences with Willows its not an isolated incident, hence my already in place boycott!

[froggy]

Lots rumors I read. I friend I consider reliable has said that:
NO - WILLOWS HAS NOT REOPENED IN TILTON!

Some of Willow's former staff is now EMPLOYED by Joanne Oliver at the 1875.

I have personally observed a "for rent" for restaurant sign at the former Willows location complex. SO, I then also assume that since restaurant equipment was there for the previous mexican restaurant, the landlord might still want to rent the space as a restaurant! That simple.