New Hooksett rest areas to feature restaurants, shops

HOOKSETT, N.H. —The rest areas by the Hooksett tolls may get major makeovers over the next couple of years.


The liquor stores and parking lots will be transformed into a pair of full-service centers complete with restaurants, shops and a welcome area, if the governor and Executive Council sign off on the plan.

"I think it will be so unique and fun that people will cast their eye upon it," said Alex Ray, founder of the Common Man restaurants. "I think it will be a complement to our state."

Ray's company is the winning bidder for a project that would transform the rest areas.

"I'm really thrilled that it's going to have that New England look," said Sen. David Boutin, R-Hooksett. "It's going to fit into the landscape of New Hampshire."

"This is really an innovative and unique private-public partnership that's a win-win for everybody concerned," said Bill Boynton of the Department of Transportation.

The DOT confirmed that the $32 million project will be fully financed by the Common Man parent company, Granite State Hospitality. The $8.4 million liquor store portion will ultimately be reimbursed by the state.

"Over the course of the 35-year lease, the state will be paid rent and receive funds from the sales of goods and gasoline," Boynton said.

Officials said the rent is worth at least $23 million to the state over the period of the lease. The project will also be a major upgrade to the rest areas.

"Hopefully, people will actually think about stopping there and not just to go to the bathroom," Ray said.

Read more: http://www.wmur.com/news/nh-news/new-hooksett-rest-areas-to-feature-restaurants-shops/-/9857858/20349220/-/9mx6klz/-/index.html#ixzz2UixgLjwK

Isn't that rest area there so travelers could stop and use the facilities and then head up to the lakes and mountains to spend their money?

Good for The Common Man Restaurant chain.

fshnski wrote:Isn't that rest area there so travelers could stop and use the facilities and then head up to the lakes and mountains to spend their money?

Travelers would certainly not want to use "the facilities" in Massachusetts!