Iconic Portsmouth Restaurant Sold; Changes in Store

The Friendly Toast, one of Portsmouth's most iconic restaurants, has been sold.

Eric Goodwin, president of Concord-based Goodwin Hospitality and Associates, and Scott Pulver, a Massachusetts real estate broker, teamed up to purchase the Congress Street spot. The deal also included the Friendly Toast's second location in Cambridge, Mass.

Goodwin said they will preserve most of the elements of the two restaurants. Some of the planned changes include seasonal menus and expanded drink offerings.

"We're happy to be part of the great restaurant scene in Portsmouth," Goodwin said. "We're committed to high standards, great service, and great food."

Marcus Thompson, who formerly headed up the Barking Crab restaurant in Boston, will serve as director of operations.

The Friendly Toast was previously owned by Melissa and Robert Jasper. In 2011, they put their restaurants up for sale for $1.9 million.

The Bean Group in Portsmouth listed both restaurants and described the Friendly Toast as "a very profitable and dynamic concept that does in excess of $5,000,000" at both locations.