Contoocook's Covered Bridge Restaurant set for revival

The restaurant patio may be hosting live music.

The restaurant patio may be hosting live music. SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN / Monitor staff

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

Monitor staff

Published: 03-02-2024 10:00 AM

Modified: 03-08-2024 3:53 PM


Perched right on the banks of the Contoocook River, the once-quiet Contoocook’s Covered Bridge Restaurant, its doors shuttered for more than two years, is set to be revived with fresh energy.

The specifics on whether the restaurant is reopening or a successor is taking its place is unknown. The outdoor patio of the building on 16 Cedar Street, with views of the river flowing on one side and the bridge on Main Street on the other, has received approval from the town’s planning board to host live entertainment.

Greg Sagris, the owner of the property along with Brian Cressy, shared the vision behind the project at a planning board meeting in April.

The plan is to breathe new life into the space by featuring live music, with either a violinist or a small band on the rear deck or patio. Beyond music, entertainment will also include karaoke, comedians and trivia nights.

Sagris noted that the property owners and the restaurant owners are separate. The restaurant is owned by Cressy and Michael Marchand.

While this project will revive the building, town residents are concerned about potential noise pollution.

During the meeting, Katherine Mitchell, who owns a property close to the property, said she worried about the potential noise levels generated by a bass guitar with an amplifier.

According to the planning board minutes, the police chief has requested that outdoor music halt at 9 p.m. However, it is expected that live music indoors may take place until closing time at 12:45 a.m.

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