By ​Jeff McMenemy, Portsmouth Herald

PORTSMOUTH — The city's Historic District Commission approved a plan to allow the popular Martingale Wharf Restaurant and Bar to expand its outdoor deck, while also creating a new public deck space.
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Architect Jeremiah Johnson, who represented developer and restaurant owner Mark McNabb at Wednesday’s HDC meeting, said the plans call for adding a 32-foot by 52-foot deck extension to expand the restaurant’s outdoor use, while building a 15-foot by 21-foot “ADA compliant public access deck for any and all to enjoy.”

By Tim Callery, WMUR

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A new survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association shows the COVID-19 pandemic may still have a tight grip on the restaurant industry. Many New Hampshire businesses continue to struggle with challenges like staffing and patron attendance.
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​Some restaurants in the Granite State are doing better than they were before the pandemic. But, others are still struggling and said it could take months until things get back to normal.

Mike Somers, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said some of the responses to the survey were “quite troubling.” The survey shows that 94% of restaurants in New Hampshire are understaffed

By John Lippman, Valley News

If last year was nightmarish for the wedding business, this year is turning out more like a fairy tale.
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After suffering a drastic downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, weddings — and the businesses that cater to them — have come roaring back.

And that’s both good and bad.

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By Alexander LaCasse, Portsmouth Herald 

EXETER – A longtime fixture of the organic farm-to-table dining scene on the Seacoast, The Moon café closed its doors “for the foreseeable future” last week.
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Alissa Gallant-Nicholls, who recently took over the café when her mother Kath Gallant retired, announced in a Facebook post Sept. 20 the restaurant would be closing.

​The state's Meals and Rooms tax drops by a half-percent from 9% to 8.5% on Friday as the new state budget takes effect but will it have a real impact for Seacoast restaurants and hotels?
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Although a small decrease, there are two possible effects the cut could have, according to Mike Somers, President of the New Hampshire Lodging Restaurant Association. One could be the perception of the state as having low taxes.

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) is reminding operators and the public that starting October 1, 2021, the state’s Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax rate will decrease by 0.5%, from 9% to 8.5%.
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“To ensure a smooth transition to the new tax rate, we are reminding operators and taxpayers alike of this change,” said Lindsey Stepp, Commissioner, NHDRA. “It is important for businesses of all sizes to be reminded of the change and to implement the new rate on October 1. Doing so will help ensure transparency with customers who will be expecting this lower rate and ensure compliance with state law.”

PORTSMOUTH — The first BIPOC Fest was a hit, and organizers say they want to see it become an annual event.
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"It's going well," said Clifton West Jr. Founder of Black Lives Matter Seacoast. "I can't believe so many people are here already. The weather is great. We are giving out free activity books to the kids. Everyone seems happy and excited by the idea of this festival."

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Fest brought together a diverse group of people for an event at Vida Cantina restaurant's parking lot featuring diverse food and music.

"The event was the lovechild of myself, Evan Mallett (Black Trumpet), Joanna Kelley (Cup of Joe) and Kathy Cavallaro (local business person)," said Chef David Vargas, owner of Vida Cantina. "We have nine restaurants here, six organizations, and a bunch of entertainment. Not bad for our first try."

By Jonathan Phelps, New Hampshire Union Leader

State tourism officials expect more than 3.2 million visitors this foliage season, with numbers expected to rival the 2019 fall season. Spending is anticipated to reach $1.4 billion.
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“We are really predicting that this is going to be one of the best foliage years in recent history,” said Taylor Caswell, business and economic affairs commissioner, during a news conference Wednesday.

So far, 2021 is gearing up to be a “near record year” even with lingering challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Tourism supported the hospitality industry, which took a big hit in 2020 after sudden closures and restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus.