New Restaurant Proposed for Downtown Exeter

A group is considering turning the Gardner House in downtown Exeter into a private social club that would include a restaurant open to the public.

The group, String Bridge Capital, is currently in talks to buy the house, which is located at 12 Front St. and dates back to 1826. It's currently on the market for $799,900.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday granted approval for the group to move forward with its plan.

Eric Chinburg, a local homebuilder and member of String Bridge Capital, said the restaurant could include 40-60 seats, which would make it a bit smaller than Blue Moon Evolution. The rest of the building would be a private club that could include a card room and a room for business meetings, Chinburg said.

"It would be a great amenity to the town," said Chinburg, who added the plan is fluid and could change.

He said the historic features of the building would be preserved.

The ZBA's approval included a condition that the restaurant have no more than 75 seats.

The board approved the plan by a vote of 4-1. Member Rick Thielbar voted against it, citing concerns about parking.

ZBA Chairman John Hauschildt said the plan would be beneficial to the downtown area.

"It rises the tide for the other restaurants and businesses," Hauschildt said.

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