Restaurants in Portsmouth Forced to Get Creative to Survive

Without a doubt, we all know the obvious that 2020 was a tough year for the restaurant business.

According to WMUR.com, some Portsmouth eateries are breaking their business plans and using their creative minds to figure out a way to continue and survive in 2021. Some restaurants have taken the drastic measure of temporary closures for the winter season.

Winter is typically a slow season along the Piscataqua River, and the Martingale Wharf is one of those restaurants that choose to close temporarily in hopes of reopening to a stronger season in the future.

Michelle Matthews, the director of operations for the Martingale Wharf, tells WMUR.com “Winters are tough on the water anyway in Portsmouth and then when you do reduced seating, there’s still a lot of people that do not want to dine inside.”

Takeout makes up 90% of the business of Café Nostimo, according to the news station, and they are taking a different tack. Since their takeout game is strong, they decided to add pre-prepared meals for people to buy, take home and cook in addition to their takeout business.

Owner of Café Nostimo Dean Zottos tells WMUR.com, “This is going to be a transition period, the Covid virus is still right around us on our doorstep and we have to continue to be innovative.”

Portsmouth is slated to re-open outdoor seating on March 1, the news station reported.

I really hope these restaurants find a way to survive the winter and come back strong in the spring. I haven’t dined out in so many months I am really looking forward to getting back to normal and going out to eat with friends.