THE VIBE OF Elm Street in Manchester continues to get more hip with the opening of Stash Box, a restaurant and cocktail bar, and the reopening of a former speakeasy-style bar on the second floor across the street.
Stash Box opened at 866 Elm St. in former spot of Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine, which closed in 2020. Some might remember Joe Kelly’s or Elm House of Pizza in the spot years ago.
Across the street, 815 Cocktails & Provisions has reopened in its second floor spot at 815 Elm St. The original theme was a speakeasy, but that changed a few years ago because of COVID-19.
The popular cocktail bar temporarily closed in April for a complete overhaul.
815 held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday. Stash Box’s followed the next day — a race of sorts for the friendly competition.
Stash Box is the latest project of Dan Haggerty and Jeremy Hart, who opened Industry East craft cocktail bar on Hanover Street in 2020.
“We wanted to keep the same feel of a homestyle neighborhood restaurant, but bigger,” Haggerty said. “We still have the soft lighting and no TVs, so you have to talk to one another.”
The place took on a nautical theme with a ship’s wheel and ring buoy on the walls. Tiffany lights line the ceilings while the floors and brick walls have been touched up.
Stash Box opened in the former home of Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine.
DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER
Some of the other decor includes old New Hampshire law books and a retro Zenith radio. A Miller High Life sign with the slogan “The Champagne of Beers” hangs above the bar.
“Growing up in New England, you either need to go to the Cape or lake to go to the beach,” Haggerty said. “We wanted to bring the regional favorites with our own twist on it.”
Some of the dishes include coconut curry salmon ($26), seared scallops ($32) and a smash burger ($17).
Like Industry East, the place is known for its craft cocktails such as “Religion and Politics,” made with Barr Hill Gin or Peloton Mezcal ($15).
“I thought that was a funny name to put on a drink at a bar — the two things you’re not supported to talk about,” Heggarty said.
Jodie Nazaka, the city’s economic development director, said the opening-reopening of the two spots will bring more excitement to downtown.
“You guys have have brought a really cool vibe to the downtown and we appreciate it,” she said during the ribbon cutting. “We appreciated the investment. We also appreciate the fact you guys opened Industry East during COVID and you are still here, and you are doing more.”
Stash Box held a soft opening last week where they ran out of food by 9:15 p.m.
“I’ve never seen anything like it and I’ve been doing this for 25 years,” Haggerty said. “Instagram is a powerful thing.”
The new venture is being paid for with the profits on Industry East and a silent partner.
What’s up with the Stash Box name? Haggerty says the new place is “hidden in plain sight” with only small windows opening up to Elm. He also admits that’s the newspaper explanation, but you can Google it for your own interpretation.
Back across the street, the discreet “815” sign now features the bar’s full name.
‘The Local’ to reopen
The Local restaurant has returned to Warner, but in a new spot.
“We’re back!” reads a sign outside 15 E. Main St., the former home of The Kitchen, which closed in September.
“The Worst Kept Secret in Warner is Now Official!” the restaurant posted on Facebook.
The Local was previously located down the street before it closed in 2021 after eight years.
Shadow and soul together
Shadow and Soul Emporium, which had to separate storefronts on Main Street in Keene, will move into a larger single space in the former Winchendon Furniture Co. A new name will also be revealed as part of the move.
“Five years ago, Shadow and Soul embarked on its journey, and over time, it has experienced significant growth and transformation,” a post on Facebook reads. “Now, they are relocating to 20 Main St. and introducing a specialty café. Stay tuned for the announcement of their new name!”
The Soul Emporium opened in 2018, followed by Shadow in 2021. The location on Hanover Street in Manchester has a divided retail location for the two concepts.
Smoke shop ‘coming soon’
Prime Smoke & Vape Shop, which has locations in Concord and Dover, will be opening a new location on Hooksett Road in Manchester.
An “opening soon” sign hangs at the former 9 Round kickboxing studio at the Livingston Park Place plaza. The plaza is also home to Rite Aid and the former Blake’s Restaurant and Ice Cream.
Zoo Health Club expands
The Zoo Health Club held a grand opening of its Seabrook location on Oct. 2. The gym offered special membership deals during the event.
The chain now has 10 locations in New Hampshire.
If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea, email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.
