Puritan Backroom
The Puritan Backroom is a 2020 James Beard Foundation Award America's Classic restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire. They are known for their mudslides and chicken tenders, which they invented in 1974.[1][2]
History[edit]
Arthur Pappas and Louis Canotas, Greek emigrants to the United States, opened the Puritan Confectionery Company in 1917. In 1974, their children attached a back room for a restaurant. As of 2020, the restaurant is run by the third generation, including New Hampshire congressman Chris Pappas. The restaurant "has become a required stop for candidates passing through on the campaign trail. In an era of division, it is a rare nonpartisan space where everyone feels welcome."[1][2] In recent election cycles, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton visited the restaurant.[3]
Setbacks[edit]
On November 24, 2019, norovirus struck 18 people who attended a private function at the restaurant, and may have caused the death of one person.[3] In March 2020, a fire caused about $80,000 in damage.[4] In September 2020, they closed for a short time after a bartender tested positive for COVID-19.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "ANNOUNCING THE 2020 AMERICA'S CLASSICS WINNERS". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
- ^ a b DeCosta-Klipa, Nik (November 13, 2015). "New Hampshire politics revolve around these famous chicken tenders". Boston.com. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
- ^ a b Fortier, Marc (December 27, 2019). "18 Sickened at Puritan Backroom Restaurant in NH, 1 Person Has Since Died". NBC Boston. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
- ^ "Fire damages Puritan Backroom restaurant". The Concord Monitor. March 25, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
- ^ Feely, Paul (September 15, 2020). "Puritan Backroom temporarily closed after bartender tests positive for COVID-19". The New Hampshire Union-Leader. Retrieved July 30, 2021.