Woodshed Restaurant fire 11-28-13

[upthesaukee]

Just heard a call on the scanner for a structure fire at the Woodshed restaurant. First responder on scene reported heavy fire throughout.

A second alarm is being activated at this time.

I hope that they are closed and no staff there or customers there.

[upthesaukee]

I would think that perhaps most if not all the staff and customers are gone.

[upthesaukee]

Heavy fire throughout, and the companies on scene are trying to establish a water supply system to the scene.

One tanker truck on scene and another enroute

So sad.

[GTO]

Heavy fire throughout, and the companies on scene are trying to establish a water supply system to the scene.

One tanker truck on scene and another enroute

So sad.

Top story on wmur. Looks pretty serious. Large flames

[Resident 2B]

Under control at 11:47 according to the online scanner.

Too bad about the fire.

R2B

[jeffatsquam]

Just got back from the scene, Very sad

Lot of memories My sister worked there in the mid-70s I worked there in the 80's my dauther at 21 has worked there the last 7 years and served tonight everybody was out by 8pm lot of people out of a job.

[secondcurve]

Just got back from the scene, Very sad

Lot of memories My sister worked there in the mid-70s I worked there in the 80's my dauther at 21 has worked there the last 7 years and served tonight everybody was out by 8pm lot of people out of a job.

Does anyone anyone know the status of the structure?

[webmaster]

Here's a few articles I found at 6:30 am:

Union Leader (http://www.unionleader.com/article/20131129/NEWS07/131129186)
WMUR (http://www.wmur.com/news/nh-news/firefighters-battle-blaze-at-woodshed-restaurant-in-moultonborough/-/9857858/23206118/-/129vaqsz/-/index.html)
Boston dot com (http://www.boston.com/news/local/new-hampshire/2013/11/29/fire-damages-popular-restaurant/Fgyb643gVnz3gJ5PDaP6kL/story.html)

[Gatto Nero]

What a shame. Something like that can never be recreated.

[phoenix]

according to union leader it burned to the ground

[JDeere]

Well I guess that ends the argument of whether the Woodshed was back or not.

Shame to see that building go since it was an iconic building.

I do wonder if the fire was suspicious or not? Guess it is too soon to know?

[Barney Bear]

We have celebrated many events with family and friends from several states at this wonderful place. It will be missed!!!

[blacksheep]

I saw this on the news this morning... So sad! And hard to believe. My thoughts are with all the employees, who are now out of work so close to the holidays. Hoping that Scott O will be able to relocate many of them to some of his other restaurants? Aparently the fire is under investigation, which I would assume is status quo for a business that is insured. Just tragic...

[VitaBene]

Very sad to lose this Lakes Region institution. My daughter worked there last night... last busser ever at the 'shed.

My thoughts go out to all of those fine people who made their living there, especially this time of year.

[blacksheep]

Omg VitaBene... that's a little too close to home! SO glad she wasn't there at the time of the fire. So gald no one was there at the time of the fire. It is, indeed, a sad day. Unbelievable photo. :(

[hazelnut]

Glad she is ok and that the fire was AFTER her shift. Sorry about the restaurant, what an iconic establishment. So sad.

[Coolbreeze]

Buildings and material possessions can be replaced in time. Hopefully from the ashes a new establishment will rise.
If the owner reads the threads online here then they will know there is a loyal local following and people who care.

[wickedtravelah]

How sad.....any chance the owner will rebuild? Traditions have to start anew at times.

[ishoot308]

That really is sad especially during the holiday season.

Wishing the owners well in whatever they decide to do...

Dan

[Tank151]

It was one of the "better" restaurants in the Lakes Region area. Never mind the neat historic barn...

[sum-r breeze]

What a true tragedy it is to lose The Woodshed. It has always been a special place to do dinner for us. We would celebrate important milestones with a trip to the shed and bring a group of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the owners and we will be returning customers if they decide to rebuild. Another tragic fire for the lakes region. We have many happy memories of past visits.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[NoBozo]

Is Scott O (Canoe) Really the owner...?? NB

[Den65]

I've been going to the shed for 20 years, birthdays, anniversary's went for Christmas eve last year was going to be our new Christmas eve tradition. I remember the first time I took my kids there and what a big deal it was for them to get all dressed up think they were like 5 and 8. I remember how nice Lynn was with them and brought down the cat to show them and they would go see the cat every time they went after that. Even thought the service and food changed over the years the place always had a special feel about it that I will never forget......Hope they rebuild something there so we can start some new traditions..............RIP old friend :(:(:(

[LadyJane]

wow, it was a shock to see this. I have gone to the Woodshed for decades. Very sad. I hope they can rebuild.

[blacksheep]

NoBozo, yes Scott O. and several (three?) partners bought the Woodshed when it was sold this summer.

[wishiwasthere]

Been going there since 1980.Whenever we were in the area. Lots of fun memories! Skip and go nakeds, best prime rib, flower pot bread! It will be missed. Good luck to all the employees.

[rgilfert]

Terrible news!! This was such a special place for my wife and I.....we went there while honeymooning on the lake in Sep '76 and have gone there at least annually every year since then. We even met (and got autographs) Henry Fonda there while he was filming "On Golden Pond". What a great loss!

[Winnisquamguy]

I saw this on the news this morning... So sad! And hard to believe. My thoughts are with all the employees, who are now out of work so close to the holidays. Hoping that Scott O will be able to relocate many of them to some of his other restaurants?
Scott was on the news last night and again this morning saying that the 40 employees working there he will try locate them to work at his other restaurants. I hope he rebuilds it.

[tummyman]

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.

[blacksheep]

Interesting idea...but I think the old North End building is where they launch their catering operation (aka Magic Foods). I bet they have tons of equipment, etc, in that facility that they are likely gearing up to use for the upcoming holiday party season. I'm glad to hear that most (hopefully all!) of the employees of the Woodshed will find other work within the company. Hopefully the place was insured well and they can rebuild it with some of it's former character. To me, the rustic barn/old farmhouse atmosphere was such an important part of the Woodshed. Maybe the best way we can support Scott O and his partners is to frequent his other establishments - Canoe, O's Steakhouse in Laconia, and Magic Foods for our catering needs. I have seen, time and time again, that this is a community where people really come together in times of crisis and take good care of each other. I hope that will be true in this case, as well.

[Slainte]

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.


What a GREAT idea - I hope Scott reads this and considers the possibility!!! :)

[secondcurve]

Here is an option...I thought the owners of Canoe also owned the former North End restaurant on Rt 25. If so, move the Woodshed sign to this location, do a quick change to the interior with better tables, etc., and re-open with the same Woodshed menu and people on weekends at least. That way they preserve the name and values. People would come to support the owners and they can concentrate on rebuilding the Woodshed with a barn style structure. It is amazing what they can do these days to make a new structure look old. Agreeably, it will not be exactly the same, but close would be better than nothing. Bet with some planning, they could be ready to re-open in a new barn type structure in late spring, just in time for the summer folks.

Tummyman your plan lacks one key ingredient: money. Plus, reopening in a nondescript location on rte 25 wouldn't be the same regardless of the quality of the food. It is a good thought but I don't think it would work especially since the owners will have their hands full trying to get the old restaurant re-built.

I think the ability of the Woodshed to recover and reopen comes down to one thing, insurance. Hopefully, the owners have business interruption insurance. Given this was a recent buyout they likely have a decent debt load on the business so insurance will be key. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Heaven]

Been going there since 1980.Whenever we were in the area. Lots of fun memories! Skip and go nakeds, best prime rib, flower pot bread! It will be missed. Good luck to all the employees.
returning lost golf balls for a free drink. . .

[tis]

Second, don't you think the old location was pretty nondescript? Maybe a highway would be better for them in the long run. You had to know the Woodshed was there.

[wifi]

I would think there would be month(s) wasted with permitting and town (and state-liquor) boards, not to mention renovation of the NE after permits are approved.

I don't know for sure, miracles do happen :)

[tummyman]

Seems the NE is already permitted. And no change to footprint ought to be a simple item for the town. Even the state liquor board could be a non event, as they would be just going for a change in location. Everyone is in mourning now but true character is in how folks rise up from adversity and conquer the moment. We can have a one day wake, but then begin to get back to the business at hand....rebuilding the Woodshed ASAP !!! Think of all the good people impacted by tornadoes and how they begin the rebuilding process immediately. Defeat is not an option and we, as a community, should rise up and get this business back into our town. We need positive thinking of "how"...not there are too many possible problems. We need to have faith and resolve. Let the BOS /Carter/ the Planning folks do something positive rather than screw around with studies etc. I assume the building was probably fully insured if there was a mortgage. So the owners have 4.5 acres of land. A new note for construction should be reasonable easy to obtain....after all we have at least three banks on the community and they can come together and solve the financing. Time to get going.............

[secondcurve]

Second, don't you think the old location was pretty nondescript? Maybe a highway would be better for them in the long run. You had to know the Woodshed was there.

Tis: If they were just starting out I would agree. However, after many, many years everyone knows where the Woodshed is. By the way, do you really think the Woodshed building was nondescript? I thought it was full of character and that is one of the main reasons I enjoyed going there so much.

[wishiwasthere]

returning lost golf balls for a free drink. . .

How did that one get by me? Must have been when my kids were little and I didn't drink much:D

[tis]

Tis: If they were just starting out I would agree. However, after many, many years everyone knows where the Woodshed is. By the way, do you really think the Woodshed building was nondescript? I thought it was full of character and that is one of the main reasons I enjoyed going there so much.


No, the building was certainly wonderful, you said the old location was nondescript so I thought that you meant the location was nondescript, not the building. Sorry for the misinterpretation. I am just saying the original owners took an wonderful old farmhouse and made a charming business out of it. Now that all that is gone, would they be better off to build a charming new building on a busier road and get even more business from people other than those of us that know about it? I am not arguing for that, it is just something I would consider if it was my business and I was going to rebuild. On the other hand maybe land would be more expensive on the highway and they are happy where they are. No matter how they rebuild if they do, it will certainly be hard to recreate what they had. The only thing that might be nicer is it will be easier to heat. I was cold many times there in the winter.

[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!

[Lakesrider]

I just got back from Bangor and heard the news. Thought I would throw in my Condolences...Thinking of the 40 employees at this time of year as well. Gonna be tough. :(

[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!

[blacksheep]

The partners that own the Woodshed are not the same partners that own Magic Foods. Although there is an owner in common, the two businesses are held by different groups. Therefore, moving the site of the Woodshed to the current NE location would be ... complicated. I'm hoping that they decide to do something wonderful (although it will be different) at the current Woodshed location. I love the drive in, off 25, and I think the spot is part of the charm. Time will tell!

[old coot]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[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

[Lakesrider]

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.....:D
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]

...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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 (https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=711&q=woodshed+moultonboro%2C+nh&oq=woodshed+moultonboro%2C+nh&gs_l=img.12...1168.7730.0.9713.24.10.0.14.14.0.130 .719.9j1.10.0....0...1ac.1.32.img..4.20.780.uSc4i3 pcjI8) and HERE
(https://www.facebook.com/WoodShedNH/photos_stream)
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/485966_531654126867934_2004220679_n.jpg

[jniff101]

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

[Legionnaire70]

Any word yet on the cause of the fire?

[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.....

[Billy Bob]

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]

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]

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]

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

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> 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.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

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]

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/20131218/NEWS07/131219260/-1/news

[jgrif6180]

Has there been any information on how they intend to deal with gift certificates to the Woodshed? There is no information on their website & I cannot find a working telephone number. Thanks.

[tis]

Oh no! That happened to us a long time ago. We had a gift certificate to that place near Irwin's on Union Ave and didn't use it before it burned. 50$ was quite a bit way back when to lose.

[phoenix]

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

[upthesaukee]

Has there been any information on how they intend to deal with gift certificates to the Woodshed? There is no information on their website & I cannot find a working telephone number. Thanks.

Taken from their website.

[email protected]<[email protected]> ([email protected])

You could also try to contact Scott Oullette through his company Magic Food...

http://magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/contact-us/ (http://magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/contact-us/)

good luck.

[secondcurve]

Taken from their website.

Taken from their website.

[email protected]<[email protected]> ([email protected])

You could also try to contact Scott Oullette through his company Magic Food...

http://magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/contact-us/ (http://magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/contact-us/)

good luck.

They probably won't pay the gift certificates until they settle their insurance claim. Just a guess on my part but it seems logical that their cash flow won't support paying gift certificates at this point.

[Sal]

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]

Has anyone heard of a cause yet ?

[secondcurve]

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.

[VitaBene]

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.
I have heard that the fire burned so hot, that they likely will never know the cause.

Regardless, I am not holding out much hope for a rebuild of this icon:(

Sal, Fantastic images!!!

[dippasan]

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]

Where exactly was the Sweetwater Inn?

[hazelnut]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[secondcurve]

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]

From the Union Leader:

Home (http://www.unionleader.com/) » News (http://www.unionleader.com/section/NEWS) » Business (http://www.unionleader.com/section/NEWS02)

January 05. 2014 8:06PM (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/search?Category=SEARCH&q=&StartDate=20140106&BuildNavigators=1)
Part-owner says Woodshed Restaurant in Moultonborough unlikely to be rebuilt

http://www.unionleader.com/images/print.gif (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140106/NEWS02/140109610/0/SPORTS0401&template=printart) http://www.unionleader.com/images/email.gif (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art_tips?Site=UL&Date=20140106&Category=NEWS02&ArtNo=140109610&Ref=AR) ShareThis
By DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">“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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.”
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">[email protected]</HARDRETURN>

[BroadHopper]

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.

[phoenix]

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]

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]

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.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

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.

When did Joe summer on Mink Island? He resided for many many years on Gilman Point Road in Green's Basin?

[phoenix]

he lived down from me on Gilman point until he died and property still in the name of his trust

[surfnsnow]

before that, I believe joe lived in buzzels cove

[BroadHopper]

In the past few years I see him with his girlfriend on Mink Island. I was under the impression that is where he was staying.

[secondcurve]

From the Union Leader:

Home (http://www.unionleader.com/) » News (http://www.unionleader.com/section/NEWS) » Business (http://www.unionleader.com/section/NEWS02)

January 05. 2014 8:06PM (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/search?Category=SEARCH&q=&StartDate=20140106&BuildNavigators=1)
Part-owner says Woodshed Restaurant in Moultonborough unlikely to be rebuilt

http://www.unionleader.com/images/print.gif (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140106/NEWS02/140109610/0/SPORTS0401&template=printart) http://www.unionleader.com/images/email.gif (http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art_tips?Site=UL&Date=20140106&Category=NEWS02&ArtNo=140109610&Ref=AR) ShareThis
By DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">“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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.”
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">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.
</HARDRETURN>
<HARDRETURN style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">[email protected]</HARDRETURN>



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.

[wifi]

Remember there are four separate owners here, its not like it can resurrect itself as the "Canoe Shed"

[phoenix]

its a business proposition. The owners would build if they thought the return was acceptable

[Billy Bob]

"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 "
Actually the recent history of the place disputes your statement. The current owners did pick this up at a foreclosure sale for a rather attractive price. Had it previously been doing well would it have been in foreclosure ? the previous management had also been on the no additional liquor list with the state , not a great indication of financial success. The loyal clientele is ageing and not being replaced by younger regulars , just wasn't a hip place.
I think Oulette has it right , its a out of the way location and the draw was the building . Emotional business people don't make it , financially realistic business people make it. But I'm sure the current owners would look at your offer if you want to give the place a try and buy the lot .

[brk-lnt]

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?

Why in the world should he be saying that? They're a business, not a charity.

[Happy Gourmand]

I think Oulette has it right , its a out of the way location and the draw was the building . Emotional business people don't make it , financially realistic business people make it. But I'm sure the current owners would look at your offer if you want to give the place a try and buy the lot .

Is it just me? This seems so wrong on so many levels.

[brk-lnt]

Is it just me? This seems so wrong on so many levels.

How so? That response didn't seem at all out of line to me.

It seems that people expect that the Woodshed should be rebuilt out of tradition or something, without looking at the financial aspect of things. The current owners bought it (presumably) for the earning potential, and now that is gone and they are logically abandoning the property. If someone wants to pour money down a nostalgia drain, they're certainly welcome to do so, but shouldn't expect the original owners to do so out of any kind of obligation.

[LIforrelaxin]

While Oullette may have it right that it is an out of the way location, it doesn't mean that something couldn't be built to replace it, and have success.

The issue is will all 4 owners want to rebuild... My guess is not... this was a business and investment opportunity... They are more likely to take the insurance settlement and walk away. If there ever is an insurance settlement.

Should the "WoodShed" be recreated, well that is a separate question... As I have thought about this some, I would say not.... A new restaurant on the other hand would be fantastic......

[secondcurve]

How so? That response didn't seem at all out of line to me.

It seems that people expect that the Woodshed should be rebuilt out of tradition or something, without looking at the financial aspect of things. The current owners bought it (presumably) for the earning potential, and now that is gone and they are logically abandoning the property. If someone wants to pour money down a nostalgia drain, they're certainly welcome to do so, but shouldn't expect the original owners to do so out of any kind of obligation.

If it was insured properly and the fire is proven to have been an accident than logic dictates the business can be recreated with insurance proceeds and customers would return. There clearly can be a successful business here. How successful depends on what level of debt needs to be placed on the business and what the resultant debt service is. Lots of facts to come out here before what we know what will happen.

[jeffk]

The fact that the restaurant had been in foreclosure indicates that it wasn't performing all that well, nostalgia and good will included. The new owners probably got it for a pretty good price under the circumstances. Would people go to an out of the way location in Moultonborough for a regular, reasonable cost to build restaurant? I doubt it. To "recreate" a Woodshed would be prohibitively expensive and somewhat artificial. It's a really poor business risk to sink money into such a venture and the 4 who invested are not starry eyed fools.

[Happy Gourmand]

I could be wrong, but I feel that the success of a restaurant is more dependent on the quality of the food and to a somewhat lesser degree, the location and the actual building itself. You could have the most beautiful building in the finest location, but if your food sucks, you're not long for the chopping block. Of course, there are many exceptions, but I feel that the food is what will really have the biggest effect on success. Returning diners and word of mouth advertising are key.

[Merrymeeting]

I could be wrong, but I feel that the success of a restaurant is more dependent on the quality of the food and to a somewhat lesser degree, the location and the actual building itself. You could have the most beautiful building in the finest location, but if your food sucks, you're not long for the chopping block. Of course, there are many exceptions, but I feel that the food is what will really have the biggest effect on success. Returning diners and word of mouth advertising are key.

I would mostly agree with you, but location does enter into our decision making when choosing to have a nice night out. After a nice, big, relaxing meal, a glass or two of wine (depending on who's driving), and maybe even dessert, the last thing I want to do late at night is drive for an hour or more, especially on the windy, single lane roads around the lake.

Though we loved the atmosphere at the Woodshed, and always enjoyed our meals there, we had not been there in many years. For us, the drive always discouraged it being a location of choice.

[jeffk]

I could be wrong, but I feel that the success of a restaurant is more dependent on the quality of the food and to a somewhat lesser degree, the location and the actual building itself. You could have the most beautiful building in the finest location, but if your food sucks, you're not long for the chopping block. Of course, there are many exceptions, but I feel that the food is what will really have the biggest effect on success. Returning diners and word of mouth advertising are key.

But I would point out a restaurant right around the corner from The Woodshed, Buckeys. There have been several restaurants at that location since I bought my house in 1993 and most lasted only a couple years. Buckeys is a rousing success. While I enjoy eating there from time to time the food is nothing outstanding. One or two of the previous restaurants had somewhat better food, IMO. So why is Buckeys packed on weekends? Location? Moultonborough is up at the far end of the lake. It probably does draw locals because of reasonable prices. But it's a combination of a lot of factors.

There was just something about the Woodshed. When the owners got the food and management right, the place could be stellar. When they didn't, it was disappointing but people kept coming back, hoping for improvement. Recapturing that "something" would be almost impossible in a new building and the location would reduce the "visible new thing" factor.

[Chaselady]

I would mostly agree with you, but location does enter into our decision making when choosing to have a nice night out. After a nice, big, relaxing meal, a glass or two of wine (depending on who's driving), and maybe even dessert, the last thing I want to do late at night is drive for an hour or more, especially on the windy, single lane roads around the lake.

Though we loved the atmosphere at the Woodshed, and always enjoyed our meals there, we had not been there in many years. For us, the drive always discouraged it being a location of choice.

Location is a deciding factor. We will miss the Woodshed for the food and atmosphere...it was also an easy 15 minute drive for us. We never venture to the Gilford/ Laconia side. An hour is too long to drive after a night out.
I loved the "off the main road" site of the Woodshed.

[Gearhead]

My wife and I will really miss it. We went there at least once a year and we made it a point to reserve a table on Valentines day. I guess it's just a memory now.

It's off the beaten path, but we also go to a similar place - Clay Hill farm in Cape Neddick, ME. The food quality is very good and the atmosphere is beautiful. We always ask for a table with a view on the garden.

GH

[BroadHopper]

has been my 'romantic' favorite in the area. Next best place I would pick the 'Corner House' in Sandwich or 'Tavern 27' in Laconia.

There use to be more, 'Nutmeg Inn', 'Red Hill Inn', 'Squam Lake Inn', to name a few and they are either close or became 'commercialized'.

[VitaBene]

The fact that the restaurant had been in foreclosure indicates that it wasn't performing all that well, nostalgia and good will included. The new owners probably got it for a pretty good price under the circumstances. Would people go to an out of the way location in Moultonborough for a regular, reasonable cost to build restaurant? I doubt it. To "recreate" a Woodshed would be prohibitively expensive and somewhat artificial. It's a really poor business risk to sink money into such a venture and the 4 who invested are not starry eyed fools.

They got the Woodshed for a great price (somewhere just north of $500K), and from what I understand, insured it to cover that value. Given that the land did not burn down and it is valued around $75K, the owners would likely only have around $400K or so to build a restaurant, fit it out and fill it with food, wine, etc.

I don't see it working math-wise. Anyone that reads these threads knows that I was a very regular customer (and my teenage daughter worked there) at the Woodshed, so I write this with sadness.

[Merrymeeting]

They got the Woodshed for a great price (somewhere just north of $500K), and from what I understand, insured it to cover that value. Given that the land did not burn down and it is valued around $75K, the owners would likely only have around $400K or so to build a restaurant, fit it out and fill it with food, wine, etc.

I don't see it working math-wise. Anyone that reads these threads knows that I was a very regular customer (and my teenage daughter worked there) at the Woodshed, so I write this with sadness.

I also expect that it would be a lot more expensive to rebuild due to the need to meet newer building and health regulations. I'm assuming that a restaurant that had been around that long probably had a lot of grandfathered configurations as laws and regulations changed over the years. Building new would require all of these be brought up to date. Most likely a more expensive proposition.

[secondcurve]

Did they ever determine the cause of the Woodshed fire? Was the insurance claim paid? It is strange that this story has been so quite. I am guessing there are no plans to rebuild at this point?

[Just Sold]

It is now 6 months after the fire. The property is up for sale but no price announced yet. http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140604/NEWS02/140609517?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JUNE1114+ReCon

[Pineedles]

There will be no restaurant built on the Woodshed site. People who know where to build a restaurant have looked at this site and say, "no way". It's too bad, but that's the way it is.:(

[Mr. V]

There will be no restaurant built on the Woodshed site. People who know where to build a restaurant have looked at this site and say, "no way". It's too bad, but that's the way it is.:(

Ah, but it WAS successful at that site, was it not?

Quality counts for something, I suppose.

But dummied down to "just average," restaurants need to be conveniently located to make it.

I am reminded about a unique property in rural NC I went to once for dinner, Pollyrosa.

It was located far off the beaten path, convenient to nothing, and to nobody.

And yet ... it was absolutely packed, and did a great business.

The secret: true Southern home cooking, served family style.

[secondcurve]

It is now 6 months after the fire. The property is up for sale but no price announced yet. http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140604/NEWS02/140609517?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JUNE1114+ReCon

The people who owned the Woodshed should be tarred and feathered for letting it burn on their watch. I still find it amazing that no cause of fire was determined.

[wifi]

I know very well how old/dry and the large size the building was, but what amazes me, is that it went from no fire (when the last employee left) to fully involved with fire out the windows in one hour. WOW

Takes almost as long to get a good fire going in the fireplace :laugh:

[jniff101]

The people who owned the Woodshed should be tarred and feathered for letting it burn on their watch. I still find it amazing that no cause of fire was determined.

This comment sounds extremely ignorant. "Letting it burn on their watch"? So your telling me that if a homeowners house catches on fire in the middle of the night that they should be ashamed for "letting it happen"?
The woodshed was a fires best friend, unfortunately as soon as there was a spark there was nothing anyone could do. It's a shame what happened to such an amazing place but to point the finger at this point is just nonsense.

[broguy]

Ah, but it WAS successful at that site, was it not?

Quality counts for something, I suppose.

But dummied down to "just average," restaurants need to be conveniently located to make it.

I am reminded about a unique property in rural NC I went to once for dinner, Pollyrosa.

It was located far off the beaten path, convenient to nothing, and to nobody.And yet ... it was absolutely packed, and did a great business.


Kind of like La Meridiana in Wilmot. Awesome Italian restaurant in the middle of nowhere, but does a great business. At least I assume it still does since I haven't been there in a while.

http://lameridianarestaurantnh.com

[jeffk]

I might suggest that the only unique thing about the location was that the Woodshed was there and it was build in an old farmhouse and barn. If you are thinking about building a restaurant from scratch (the only choice at that location now), wouldn't you try to put it in the best location you could? Sure, you could make such a unique and attractive restaurant that people would flock to it (and there are no guarantees of that) but wouldn't it be easier to flock to an easier to find location?

[secondcurve]

This comment sounds extremely ignorant. "Letting it burn on their watch"? So your telling me that if a homeowners house catches on fire in the middle of the night that they should be ashamed for "letting it happen"?
The woodshed was a fires best friend, unfortunately as soon as there was a spark there was nothing anyone could do. It's a shame what happened to such an amazing place but to point the finger at this point is just nonsense.

I stand by my comment. You note "the Woodshed was a fire's best friend". I agree and that is why I feel more precaution should have been taken to avoid the disaster that occurred.

[secondcurve]

I might suggest that the only unique thing about the location was that the Woodshed was there and it was build in an old farmhouse and barn. If you are thinking about building a restaurant from scratch (the only choice at that location now), wouldn't you try to put it in the best location you could? Sure, you could make such a unique and attractive restaurant that people would flock to it (and there are no guarantees of that) but wouldn't it be easier to flock to an easier to find location?

Jeff:

You are correct that the location in itself was not unique. However, the fact that a successful restaurant operated there for 40+ years and enjoyed a strong following does make the site unique. If a restaurant with similar charm and character were constructed on the site within the next few years many folks would return to give it a try and if they liked the product they would be repeat customers. Let's hope it happens but I agree the odds are not favorable.

[VitaBene]

The people who owned the Woodshed should be tarred and feathered for letting it burn on their watch. I still find it amazing that no cause of fire was determined.While I somewhat agree with your second sentence, I cannot fathom how you would write the first.

4 people bought the Woodshed at auction and wanted nothing more for it than success. If you know anything about the construction of the place, it was a dry old barn that then had another structure built around it. It had no sprinklers.

There are some thoughts and even potentially well founded rumors about how it started. However, anyone that saw it burning knows how fast and hot that fire was destroying likely any solid evidence of how it started.

The Woodshed was my go to restaurant, my 16 YO daughter worked there (she has the distinction of being the Shed's last busser) and we are certainly deeply saddened that it is gone, however I have no animosity toward the owners.

Sometimes investigations such as these take longer than we like... isn't there still a murder investigation going on in Wolfeboro years later?