Burgers, Beer and More: Several New Restaurants Coming Soon

There are many great options for eating out in Exeter, but we know the adventurous foodies among you like to be in the know so you can plan for nights when it's time to eat out off the beaten path.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food-related stories local Patch sites have covered over the past month. Read through our round-up for the latest food news in your area.

PORTSMOUTH

As usual, there was a lot of restaurant news in the past month in Portsmouth. 

Just this week, we learned that Julie Cutting, the former chef at Brazo and Seaport Fish in Kittery, ME and a one-time contestant on the Food Network's "Cutthroat Kitchen" will be opening a new restaurant called Cure in 2014 at the site of the former Four restaurant on State Street. Four closed its doors in October.

Also in Portsmouth, a new Qdoba Mexican restaurant and BRGR Bar are both set to open soon.

Four wasn't the only downtown Portsmouth establishment to close recently. Zahtar Mediterranean Sandwich Bar on Fleet Street also closed its doors after 2-1/2 years in business.

Meanwhile, Me & Ollie's owner Roger Elkus has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help restore a diner he plans to open in the Southgate Plaza on Lafayette Road.

EXETER

The Loaf and Ladle, a downtown landmark that closed in October, is reportedly under contract, though the buyer and the future use of the property have not yet been revealed. A new Loaf and Ladle also reopened on the outskirts of town at 100 Domain Drive.

The owners of the popular Green Bean restaurant are looking to build a new restaurant next door to their existing location. But so far they have run into some resistance from an abutter.

Another downtown restaurant, Pimentos, announced that it has hired a new chef and revamped its menu.

HAMPTON

The Heritage Smokehouse, one of North Hampton's newest restaurants, closed down last month after seven straight weeks of losses made it difficult for owner Luke Wenrich to continue. The restaurant had just opened on Sept. 24.

Also in Hampton, Smuttynose Brewing Co. is finally nearing completion of its new Towle Farm facility. CEO Peter Egelston has said brewing at the new facility is expected to start early next year. And Smuttynose recently expanded its distribution into California and Michigan.

Meanwhile, Hampton and Hampton Beach restaurant owners are concerned about losing thousands of dollars worth of revenue due to a big decision impacting the Smuttynose Rockfest, the biggest marathon in New Hampshire.

SALEM

The former home of the Flaming Kabob restaurant, which closed over the summer, is set to reopen soon as a new upscale sports lounge. The restaurant will be run by Josh Jordan, the former owner of Crave Brasserie and Wine Bar, an award-winning restaurant in Amesbury, MA.

WINDHAM

The popular Mary Ann's Diner of Derry recently opened a second location in Windham. 

More new restaurants could be coming to town as well, as a new proposal to build a commerce center on Indian Rock Road in Windham would reportedly include restaurant space.

NASHUA

Sweetie's closed its doors for good on Nov. 23. Owner Ginny Karvelas was forced to close down because she has COPD and couldn't be on oxygen while working around gas stoves.

The Amherst Street Papa Gino's also closed its doors within the past month.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, meanwhile, opened its latest location on Amherst Street last month.

CONCORD

The Barley House experienced a kitchen equipment problem on Nov. 8, but was able to reopen later in the day after firefighters and the gas company gave them the all clear sign.

The former Green Martini space at 6 Pleasant Street Ext. is currently available for lease. It would make a great spot for a restaurant, but so far hasn't drawn a ton of interest.

Do you know of any other local restaurant news that we've missed? Email marc.fortier@patch.com and we'll include it in our next roundup.