The Woodshed

[VitaBene]

I have heard from several people now that a gentleman has purchased the Woodshed site and intends to rebuild/recreate the restaurant. I understand he has secured an old barn and intends to move it there. I also heard that Lynn Seeley may have some involvement.

If you drive by the property you will see fresh grade stakes. We will have to wait and see if it comes to be!

[tis]

VERY interesting news!! Let's hope it comes to be.

[phoenix]

Well that would be great. They have cleared the site

[secondcurve]

I have heard from several people now that a gentleman has purchased the Woodshed site and intends to rebuild/recreate the restaurant. I understand he has secured an old barn and intends to move it there. I also heard that Lynn Seeley may have some involvement.

If you drive by the property you will see fresh grade stakes. We will have to wait and see if it comes to be!

Thanks VitaBene that would be awesome. I miss the Woodshed it is good to see the original owner back involved.

[SAMIAM]

Loved the Woodshed.....was there when the Tower family first opened it and the place was an instant hit.
Would love to see it back...especially with Lynn running it,but have my doubts because of the expense of turning a barn into a restaurant.
New building and fire code restrictions would make it challenging.

[BlackCatIslander]

It was our alltime favorite. We would love to see Lynn overseeing it.

[Pineedles]

That would be WONDERFUL! I hope it happens.:D

[Den65]

I have heard from several people now that a gentleman has purchased the Woodshed site and intends to rebuild/recreate the restaurant. I understand he has secured an old barn and intends to move it there. I also heard that Lynn Seeley may have some involvement.

If you drive by the property you will see fresh grade stakes. We will have to wait and see if it comes to be!

That would be Fantastic, hopefully if it happened the old crew would come back out of hideing . I was thinking the old location of the Color Shed coming out of Meredith whould be a great location and just call it "The Shed". If I hadn't spent all my lottery winnings on a 6 pack and ice.......:laugh:

[rgilfert]

Here is an article from today's Union Leader (great news for all of us Woodshed addicts!) http://www.unionleader.com/article/20141003/NEWHAMPSHIRE07/141009686
BTW, this article states that the restaurant opened for business in 1979 however my wife and I ate dinner there (as The Woodshed) while on our honeymoon in early Sept 1976. I've never understood why it always gets erroneously reported as 1979?!

[tis]

Here is an article from today's Union Leader (great news for all of us Woodshed attics!) http://www.unionleader.com/article/20141003/NEWHAMPSHIRE07/141009686
BTW, this article states that the restaurant opened for business in 1979 however my wife and I ate dinner there (as The Woodshed) while on our honeymoon in early Sept 1976. I've never understood why it always gets erroneously reported as 1979?!

That shows you how you can't believe what you read. History is just what somebody remembers.

[Newbiesaukee]

Not original thought, but nostalgia is the biggest liar of all.

When I sit down for my first meal at the new Woodshed, I'll believe it...but it is a happy event to anticipate.

[phoenix]

If the land transferred they will liley go ahead but probably wont open until spring 2016 if the barrn will move over next year . Mark me down i will go if it opens

[VitaBene]

If the land transferred they will liley go ahead but probably wont open until spring 2016 if the barrn will move over next year . Mark me down i will go if it opens

You are aptly named:D

[secondcurve]

Loved the Woodshed.....was there when the Tower family first opened it and the place was an instant hit.
Would love to see it back...especially with Lynn running it,but have my doubts because of the expense of turning a barn into a restaurant.
New building and fire code restrictions would make it challenging.

A very good point. On the other hand, how much goodwill did this guy just buy for $140,000? That price seems extremely reasonable for the land. A little google research came up with the below background on Alan Haynes of Wellesley, Ma. It is evident that this fellow and his family know a thing or two about real estate. Further, they have experience renovating historic buildings. I am very encouraged and am looking forward to throwing my support behind the New Woodshed.

From the business
Specialties

Haynes Management Inc. is a Real Estate Management and Development Company that specializes in office and commercial properties in the western suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts and in New Hampshire. From our corporate office in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts , we manage forty six office properties and four retail properties that totals over one million square feet of commercial space. Most of our properties have been designed to accommodate the small to medium size office tenant who requires 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Within our office portfolio, we service over 480 office tenants and we are dedicated to providing the best service possible in order to maintain long-term business relationships with our tenants.

History

Established in 1952.

The company was founded by G. Arnold Haynes in 1952 and specialized in the development of land in the Wellesley/Weston area and the construction of high quality homes. Arnold Haynes quickly became known for his high quality work and his attention to detail. The company then built upon this reputation and expanded the quest for quality into the commercial sector with its first acquisition in 1968 of a small office building in Wellesley Hills. Since then, Haynes Management has developed and currently manages forty eight office properties, four retail properties and thirty residential properties. Included in our portfolio are several historic buildings whose exterior facades have been carefully restored while creating unique and attractive office interiors. This legacy for excellence has provided quality service to our many office tenants by anticipating the continually changing demands of today's business and professional community.

[Pine Island Guy]

BTW, this article states that the restaurant opened for business in 1979 however my wife and I ate dinner there (as The Woodshed) while on our honeymoon in early Sept 1976. I've never understood why it always gets erroneously reported as 1979?!

I believe the Woodshed was opened by the Tower family for the summer of 1972... I was a dishwasher at Longwood Farms in Center Harbor (where Canoe is now), with Rick Tower managing it... and his parents were running the new Woodshed... When I showed up at Longwood the Saturday night of Labor Day weekend, Rick said that both dishwashers at the Woodshed had not showed up because of some incident (my distant memory was car accident coupled with DUI)... and asked me to fill in over there...

By the time I got over there at 5pm, the dishes were already backed up, and I didn't pause until after midnight... one of the more miserable nights of the summer (earning a whopping $1.65/hour)!

Since then, we have had several really enjoyable meals there over the past years and I wish the new owner success and look forward to eating there again soon :)

A quiet day on the lake today... PIG

[tis]

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20141003/NEWHAMPSHIRE07/141009686

It should be open in a year according to the article.

[phoenix]

True VB the woodshed and myself both out of the fire :)

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

BTW, this article states that the restaurant opened for business in 1979 however my wife and I ate dinner there (as The Woodshed) while on our honeymoon in early Sept 1976. I've never understood why it always gets erroneously reported as 1979?!
P.I.G. is correct; The Woodshed Restaurant registered with the Secretary of State's office on Feb. 10, 1972; the registrant was Richard E. Tower, Lee's Mills Rd, Moultonboro NH.

I'm guessing the Union Leader just didn't do thorough research because the information is there, you just have to dig for it. The 1972 registration paperwork isn't available on the Secretary of State's website because of it's age (this is where the digging comes in) but they could've called the Sec. of State's info line for the details I've posted here; it's all public information.

[BlackCatIslander]

Our favorites at the Woodshed were starting with a swirler size gin (Tanqueray) and tonic and for appetizers we loved the shrimp cocktail and the lobster stew. The shrimp were always huge and so delicious.

We always skipped the bread in a pot trying to save room for desert. For entries we usually had the prime rib either with or without lobster or often the scallops. My wife would always get the rack of lamb if was on the menu and we would share a Denver pudding to finish an evening that we always enjoyed. I am getting hungry thinking about their menu

I wonder what others liked about their menu.

[CateP]

Favorite Woodshed food--prime rib ( back in the 80's) escargot in pastry (appetizer)

I am SO glad someone is going to try to resurrect the look and feel of the Woodshed and we will certainly be among the first to try it out.

Pretty cool that they are moving an entire barn to the site.

[Pineedles]

Favorite Woodshed food--prime rib ( back in the 80's) escargot in pastry (appetizer)

I am SO glad someone is going to try to resurrect the look and feel of the Woodshed and we will certainly be among the first to try it out.

Pretty cool that they are moving an entire barn to the site.

All I can say is ditto Cate, except I liked the "skip and go naked" drink, I can't remember what was in it, but I never was arrested for drinking it. Of course I had a better body back then. :emb:

[thebix]

My wife and I loved that drink. Vodka, beer and lemonade according to many of the recipes available via Google!

[Patiently Watching]

Oh the memories.... After almost a whole lifetime of visiting the Woodshed, I was saddened to learn of the fire. Rough few years for the place, between the 'failed' interim owners and then its total loss.
We always looked forward to the great service & comfortable atmosphere as much or more than the food.
Escargots and artichoke dip followed by prime rib was always a favorite standby. Rarely room for dessert, but if I had to choose it would be the denver chocolate pudding.
Not holding my breath that the replacement will be a real replacement.

[Pineedles]

Not holding my breath that the replacement will be a real replacement.

Oh, I think you should be more optimistic. The new owners are going to capitalize on the fact that they are going to initially see former Woodshed clients and they will do everything they can to keep them coming back. Starting with bringing an old barn onto the site, is the first clue that they will strive to make the atmosphere as close to the original as possible.:)

[secondcurve]

Oh, I think you should be more optimistic. The new owners are going to capitalize on the fact that they are going to initially see former Woodshed clients and they will do everything they can to keep them coming back. Starting with bringing an old barn onto the site, is the first clue that they will strive to make the atmosphere as close to the original as possible.:)

I agree Pineneedles! The new owners are taking a full year to get the new (old) restaurant in place. The owner has experience reconstructing old buildings and he was a longtime customer of the Woodshed so he knows about its shortcomings. Further, he has been involved with countless real estate deals and he has tracked down the old owner for her input. I am very optimistic.

[phoenix]

I agree with you and I will be there to welcome them when they get opened

[KPW]

My wife and I loved that drink. Vodka, beer and lemonade according to many of the recipes available via Google!

Southern Comfort, Amaretto, and pineapple juice.

[Way Out There 2]

This seems closer to what I remember. The beer, vodka, lemonade didn't seem right.

[Happy Gourmand]

All the recipes on Google come up with vodka, beer and lemonade. That sure doesn't seem like what the Woodshed was serving as their version.
Southern Comfort, Amaretto, and pineapple juice sounds more like it to me. Any old Woodshed employees care to chime in and clear this up?

[WakeboardMom]

Southern Comfort, Amaretto, and pineapple juice.

And the pin you got to wear if you ordered one! ;)

[VitaBene]

Southern Comfort, Amaretto, and pineapple juice.Yes... Equal parts amaretto and southern comfort, top with pineapple juice

[Steveo]

This seems closer to what I remember. The beer, vodka, lemonade didn't seem right.

I definitely think that beer and vodka could make you skip and go naked. Beer alone does it for me.

[Rusty]

I'm not a drinking man so maybe that's why I never thought that the Woodshed was that good of a place to eat.
I guess if you get numbed up enough their food taste better.

[Pineedles]

I'm not a drinking man so maybe that's why I never thought that the Woodshed was that good of a place to eat.
I guess if you get numbed up enough their food taste better.

Rusty, I think you should replace your G.W. quote with the following:

"Lips that taste wine, shall never touch mine.":laugh:

[VitaBene]

I'm not a drinking man so maybe that's why I never thought that the Woodshed was that good of a place to eat.
I guess if you get numbed up enough their food taste better.

Ill take Woodshed Prime Rib and good red wine, you and FLL can have McDs!

[SAMIAM]

Ill take Woodshed Prime Rib and good red wine, you and FLL can have McDs!

Ha ha...good one VB

[Rusty]

Ill take Woodshed Prime Rib and good red wine, you and FLL can have McDs!

I don't know about the Fat guy but for me Mcds comes in handy once in a while. The Woodshed just didn't appeal to me but I guess many people liked it and will go their if and when the new one gets built.

[BroadHopper]

After hearing about the orange slime in McD meat, I will not set foot in Ronnie's house, but I will takeout the $1 coffee. Taste a heck of a lot better than DD.

[DEJ]

After hearing about the orange slime in McD meat, I will not set foot in Ronnie's house, but I will takeout the $1 coffee. Taste a heck of a lot better than DD.

You might want to rethink the McD coffee.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/richardhjames/this-man-claims-to-have-found-a-dead-mouse-in-his-mcdonalds#gt61mf

[RailroadJoe]

I drink a lot of McD's coffee. I get it with the cream and equal on the side. I add it all in myself. That guy finished his coffee before he found the dead mouse. Didn't it taste a little funny?

[DEJ]

That guy finished his coffee before he found the dead mouse. Didn't it taste a little funny?

I don't know, I think you should try it and let us know. LOL. :)

[hemlock]

I just haerd from a source that the foundation for the new woodshed is in and capped.

[Heading4thelake]

It is, stopped by and saw it last week ready and waiting !!

[secondcurve]

It is, stopped by and saw it last week ready and waiting !!

God bless the folks who are taking on this project! I can't wait to see what they develop. We are lucky a real estate family has stepped up and bought the land.

[Mr. V]

You can't eat boards and nails.

Let's just hope the developer can find, hire and keep somebody who really knows how to cook.

[thinkxingu]

The reality is that by today's standards the food doesn't even have to be great--as long as the atmosphere, location, and service is acceptable, not even great, restaurants will stay in business. Applebee's is a testament to that.

[phoenix]

Does anyone know if the plan is still to dismantle an old barn and re assemble on this site

[VitaBene]

That is the plan- I just heard the other day that the barn may be coming from PA. The slab has been poured and a CCI construction trailer and excavator are on site!

[camp guy]

The reality is that by today's standards the food doesn't even have to be great--as long as the atmosphere, location, and service is acceptable, not even great, restaurants will stay in business. Applebee's is a testament to that.

I would suggest that comparing a restaurant of the type that The Woodshed (was) will be, and a restaurant like Applebees, is like comparing grapes and nuts. For the dining public that The Woodshed will appeal to, service is VERY important, as is food quality and location. Restaurants like The Woodshed develope a clientele that, quite frankly, could eat wherever they wanted to, so service and food quality become extremely important. Appleebees-type restaurants depend upon an ever renewing clientele growing from first-time and youthful customers, and probably have an extraordinarily high percentage of first and second time diners, compared to a Woodshed-type restaurant that cultivates a high percentage of regulars because of the good service and food quality.

I wish the new owners all the best in their undertaking, and I look forward to opening day.

[pcmc]

That is the plan- I just heard the other day that the barn may be coming from PA. The slab has been poured and a CCI construction trailer and excavator are on site!

Tip of the hat to you VitaBene!

Whether your driving by anyway, or making a special trip to take the photo, it's appreciated you would take your time and effort to do that for the board.

IMHO, this why the NH crew are a step above, that goes for many folks here who continuously contribute.

[pcmc]

I would suggest that comparing a restaurant of the type that The Woodshed (was) will be, and a restaurant like Applebees, is like comparing grapes and nuts. For the dining public that The Woodshed will appeal to, service is VERY important, as is food quality and location. Restaurants like The Woodshed develope a clientele that, quite frankly, could eat wherever they wanted to, so service and food quality become extremely important. Appleebees-type restaurants depend upon an ever renewing clientele growing from first-time and youthful customers, and probably have an extraordinarily high percentage of first and second time diners, compared to a Woodshed-type restaurant that cultivates a high percentage of regulars because of the good service and food quality.

I wish the new owners all the best in their undertaking, and I look forward to opening day.

The wife and I can't wait. We have gone here for our anniversary until the fire. We hope to be able to visit the new Woodshed soon.

[thinkxingu]

I would suggest that comparing a restaurant of the type that The Woodshed (was) will be, and a restaurant like Applebees, is like comparing grapes and nuts. For the dining public that The Woodshed will appeal to, service is VERY important, as is food quality and location. Restaurants like The Woodshed develope a clientele that, quite frankly, could eat wherever they wanted to, so service and food quality become extremely important. Appleebees-type restaurants depend upon an ever renewing clientele growing from first-time and youthful customers, and probably have an extraordinarily high percentage of first and second time diners, compared to a Woodshed-type restaurant that cultivates a high percentage of regulars because of the good service and food quality.

I wish the new owners all the best in their undertaking, and I look forward to opening day.
I disagree--there are a ton of restaurants in the lakes region that are just OK but are doing well. I've eaten at almost every restaurant from Meredith to Wolfeboro and there are only a very few that are outstanding. I wasn't comparing Applebee's to the Woodshed but rather giving an example of a restaurant that has mediocre (at best) food and is still in business.

I would LOVE to see the Woodshed be better than Canoe, my current favorite for value, service, and quality.

[The Eagle]

Drove by and happy to see the foundation is poured and reconstruction has started! Better place reservations now! Can't wait!!!
The Eagle

[Bumble2249]

Anyone have an idea when the Woodshed is looking to complete rebuild?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pcmc]

Does anyone know if the plan is still to dismantle an old barn and re assemble on this site

+1
To what degree does 'rebuilt' hold in the previous threads? Will this be the barn also previously mentioned from P.A., or is the structure new and made to look dated?

[VitaBene]

I think it will likely be like the original. The interior will be the original surface with the "new, but old looking" structure and insulation built around it.

[Bumble2249]

Anyone have an idea when they are looking to be done and reopen?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Den65]

Slow cold progress, picture taken today at 8am

[pcmc]

Slow cold progress, picture taken today at 8am

That's tough work.
What is the depth of the snow ?

[secondcurve]

That's tough work.
What is the depth of the snow ?

3-feet 4 1/2 inches.

[phoenix]

are they making any progress with all the snow and cold

[Den65]

today 2015

[VitaBene]

Wow thanks for the pic d65!!

[Rusty]

Is that the skeleton from an old barn that they are putting up? I understood that they were going to put up an old barn built in 1810 on that site.

[secondcurve]

Is that the skeleton from an old barn that they are putting up? I understood that they were going to put up an old barn built in 1810 on that site.

I would say so. You can't just move an old barn over in one piece. I recall looking at the architect's web page and seeing pictures of some amazing projects he was involved with. My guess is even you will be impressed when complete.

[Rusty]

I would say so. You can't just move an old barn over in one piece. I recall looking at the architect's web page and seeing pictures of some amazing projects he was involved with. My guess is even you will be impressed when complete.

Don't count on it. :D

[phoenix]

I was expecting more snow on the ground

[Five Mile]

I went by the old Woodshed location today and the foundation is in and the barn frame is mostly completed. It is looking like a return of the old standby!

[Crusty]

I have been following this thread with interest even though I did not have the good fortune to eat at the Woodshed before it burned. I certainly plan to head over for dinner once it reopens.

While I doubt that it will be possible to recreate the original, I know what can be done with an old barn. Some friends of mine (and my first employers, back in the '60s) bought an old barn and moved it to a lot in Smithville, Ohio. It was a meticulous task to disassemble, label, move, and reassemble all the pieces. All of the old wood needed to be cleaned, sterilized and sealed to permit it to be used in food service. [The restrooms were originally entered through a corn crib. However insects and mice dictated that the ears of corn be removed.] The ambiance is rustic with antique farm equipment everywhere. The overhead lights are made from chicken crates. You may dine in the basement, first floor, or hayloft. The antique "salad wagon" is a popular luncheon destination.

Interestingly, as much as the seating area is rustic, the kitchen is modern. Absolutely state-of-the art. They also use a solar pond for heating, cooling and raising fish.

I don't know how the resurrected Woodshed will turn-out, but there is no reason why it can't be a popular long-lived establishment.

If you're interested, here's a link to "The Barn" photo gallery:

http://www.thebarnrest.com/pictures.html

[BlackCatIslander]

We would love to see more progress photos of our favorite restaurant's rebirth.

[Airedale1]

I drove by today and the progress appears to be slow and steady. Hopefully now that the weather is nicer they will quicken the pace.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/Woodshed_zpsw2wvncal.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/Airedale1/media/Woodshed_zpsw2wvncal.jpg.html)

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I am confused. Weren't they moving a barn to the location?

[tis]

That's how they move an old barn. They take it apart, stick by stick and move it and then rebuild it stick by stick.
It's big business these days and isn't cheap!

[jetlag100]

It's going to be very nice.... and I wouldn't expect it to be exactly like the old one...Bless this guy for doing it...real passion!

[LakeLife05]

Mmmmm I can smell the fresh bread in those ceramic flower pots now! So happy this is in progress. Makes me want to drive up this weekend just to take a peek! :liplick:

[phoenix]

i went by on Monday and no additional progress had been made

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I stopped by the Woodshed today. Builders said it will open March 2016

[Sal]

Does anyone have an update on progress?

March is only 6 weeks away. :liplick:

[Great Northern Cleaning]

quite nicely!! We had the honor of providing post-construction cleaning to the newly built Woodshed Restaurant Building over the past few days. CCI did an awesome job constructing the building.

[secondcurve]

quite nicely!! We had the honor of providing post-construction cleaning to the newly built Woodshed Restaurant Building over the past few days. CCI did an awesome job constructing the building.

I'm expecting great things. CCI is clearly the best at these types of construction jobs. Look at their web site. It is impressive. The architect firm involved is also best of class. Thanks for the update.

[wadden]

Any updates on when the restaurant will open?

[Billy Bob]

Heard it's coming in early 2016 before summer

[phoenix]

it would make sense around memorial day

[secondcurve]

it would make sense around memorial day

Actually about April 30th would make more sense so there is time to work the kinks out before the holiday and busy simmer season hits. This restaurant is going to be packed all summer long. I hope they are ready to handle he rush. Based upon the thought put into constructing the building I'm confident they will figure things out.

[phoenix]

things really start picking up when east coast schools let out. Also it can be difficult to get help but I would think sometimes in May would happen . It is too bad I will be up in mid April and would have loved to get an early look

[bigdog]

Any news of Woodshed opening ?

Can't seem to find their website online ?

Can't wait !

[drwamcross]

Apparently there was an article in The Citizen dated 2/5/16 with a heading, "New Woodshed to open in May" written by Bob Martin. I can't read the article since I am not a subscriber.

[drwamcross]

Apparently there was an article in The Citizen dated 2/5/16 with a heading, "New Woodshed to open in May" written by Bob Martin. I can't read the article since I am not a subscriber.

[LSBA Joker]

Anyone in the area have news or recent pix? Need to add to our collection of "Skip..." pins!
Tx

[Den65]

here you go

[Greene's Basin Girl]

here you go

I just took pictures of the Woodshed yesterday to put here on the forum. Now I will not need to. Great photo!