New Business: All Red Arrow Diners back to 24/7; another cinema to close
May 10—WITH A SHORTAGE of workers, the Red Arrow Diner had to scale back its 24/7 model for the past few years at three of its locations: Concord, Londonderry and Nashua.
Now, all are back to their normal schedules, according to the company.
The flagship location in Manchester only stopped its 24/7 hours for a month at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some other changes include offering online ordering, Doordash delivery and alcoholic beverages in Concord, Londonderry and Nashua.
"Lowell Street stayed (open) 24 hours through COVID. The others couldn't do it," one of the owners, George Lawrence, told the Union Leader in 2022. "Can't get no help. We cannot get the others aboard. We can't even get them to 10 o'clock sometimes."
A recent Facebook post said, "from late-night cravings to early morning fuel-ups, we've got you covered."
The Nashua diner, opened in May, 2020, started offering 24/7 service for the first time last month. The diner recently posted that they are looking for workers for the third shift.
The original diner opened on Lowell Street in Manchester in 1922. All locations have been known to draw presidential candidates every four years.
'New' hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites on Front Street in Manchester is now officially a Hampton Inn. A freestanding sign was recently installed in a busy spot off the Interstate 293 Exit 6.
The new Hampton boasts being near the banks of the Merrimack River in the Millyard.
"The bustling downtown area is one mile from us," the website reads. "Enjoy events at The Palace Theatre and the SNHU Arena, both a five-minute drive away. We offer an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Your stay includes a free hot breakfast and free WiFi."
Settling in
Fire and Spice Bistro is getting settled into its new location.
"What an incredible 1st month we have had at our new home in Dover, NH," the restaurant posted on Facebook. "The support from the community has been incredible!"
The full-service new American bistro moved to 47 Washington St. in Dover from its spot in Newfields. The restaurant features regionally sourced ingredients with a casual yet classy atmosphere, according to its website.
Another cinema to close
Last week, I wrote about Jax Jr. Cinemas reopening in Littleton and bucking a trend of theaters closing. I hope I wasn't a jinx for an Upper Valley cinema, which just announced it will also join the list by dimming its lights.
Claremont Cinema 6, operated by Massachusetts-based Your Neighborhood Theatre, is set to close at the end of the month.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Claremont Cinema will be closing our door permanently on Monday, May 27th," the company statement read. "We have been part of the Claremont Community for nearly 30 years and the decision was a difficult one to make."
The Claremont cinema joins theaters in Concord, Laconia, Nashua and Pelham no longer showing flicks.
If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.