Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 34
Left to right: Cheese Louise general manager, Jasmine Schmidt; Cheese Louise co-owner Bryce Harrison; Sap House Meadery owner
and co-founder, Matt Trahan; Saco River Brewing owner, Mason Irish; Cheese Louise co-owner, James Gaudreault.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
By Andrew Schuyler
Next Generation Eateries Creating a Tasty Fresh Hub for North Conway Village
W
hile Boston has long been known
as the Hub of the Universe, the
recently renovated Norcross
Place–which houses Sap House Meadery,
Saco River Brewing Taphaus, and Cheese
Louise–is quickly becoming the Hub of
North Conway. Locals and visitors are
finding a variety of eclectic culinary and
beverage options in the unique space
located in the heart of North Conway Village, at the intersection of Route 16 and
Kearsarge Road.
Sap House Meadery, Saco River Brewing Taphaus, and Cheese Louise are providing an essential anchor to an area that
hosts such icons as Zeb’s General Store,
the Conway Scenic Railway, and Horsefeathers. Patrons will, no doubt, want to
soak up the views of the Moat Mountains,
tions, and are bolstering the economic
sustainability of North Conway Village.
Cheese Louise @eatcheeselouise
In many ways, Cheese Louise is a reflection of the gracefully transformed space
it occupies; it takes the basic concept of
a grilled cheese sandwich and makes it
decadent. Adorned with multiple garage
doors that open to the patio and vibrant
artwork, the restaurant creates a lively,
open, and inviting atmosphere.
Jasmine Schmidt, who manages the
North Conway location, says that since
opening last June, the community has
shown “overwhelming support and just a
genuinely warm reception.”
Noting that she and the founders all
graduated from Kennett High School,
cation for a few years and didn’t want to
settle for something that wasn’t perfect.”
From artisan sandwiches such as
The Godmother (tomatoes, basil, pesto,
balsamic glaze, and mozzarella on Tuscan
pane) and The Baconator (cheddar,
muenster, and bacon on Tuscan pane), to
soups and salads, Cheese Louise caters to
a range of tastes and ages. It also offers
local beer and cocktails.
The location is becoming a community
resource. In addition to hosting live music
and open mic nights, it provides space for
activities such as swing dancing lessons,
writing workshops, and a nonpartisan
political forum called Democracy on Tap.
The company has seasonal locations
in Settlers Green and on the Kancamagus
Highway, as well as permanent locations
Patrons will, no doubt, want to soak up the views of the Moat Mountains, Schouler Park, and Cranmore from
the building’s roof decks and streetside patio o昀昀erings, particularly as daylight extends and the weather warms.
Schouler Park, and Cranmore from the
building’s roof decks and streetside patio
offerings, particularly as daylight extends
and the weather warms. These three
businesses cherish their New Hampshire
roots, engage with community organiza34
Schmidt says that a permanent North
Conway location had been a long-term goal.
“Our newest location is in the most
central part of North Conway—and really,
the Valley—and gets great foot traffic,”
Schmidt says. “We had our eye on this lo-
in Portland and Portsmouth. Its Cheesin’ For a Reason philanthropic program
contributes a portion of certain sales to
a local non-profit, with the North Conway-based Kismet Rock Foundation being
the beneficiary this year.
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