Dateline: Nov. 10, 2025
Updated: Dec. 2, 2025

AUBUCHON ACE HARDWARE Is the New Brand

Current Aubuchon Hardware store

Artist's concept of new store front

After months of hoping for good news about the future of Allenstown's landmark hardware store, the good news has finally arrived. In early November, Aubuchon management signed a long-term lease for use of the now vacant Rite Aid Pharmacy.

A discussion with Josiah Gates, Aubuchon's Chief Growth Officer, brought out many interesting details about the relocation. He noted that "In 2023, we joined the Ace Cooperative and the new store brand will be Aubuchon Ace Hardware, as you can see in the artist's concept. Also, I want to mention that Spiros Athanas, who had purchased the current Aubuchon property and leased it to McDonald's Corp., played a positive role in purchasing the property for Aubuchon to obtain a lease for the former Rite Aid property."

Artist's concept of new sign board

Mr. Gates continued by stating that "We have already started remodeling the new store's interior. This will be a new and exciting state-of-the-art store and will introduce 'Elevate', a new merchandising concept. The new store will put a strong emphasis on Paint, Backyard & Barbecue, and Outdoor Power Equipment along with all your other hardware needs."

When asked about the outdoor merchandise the store currently offers, Mr. Gates confirmed that "The outdoor merchandising will be similar to what is now available including seasonal bag goods, a garden center, propane filling station, and more."

As for an opening date, Mr. Gates confidently assured that "The news store will be open to the public by January 31, 2026. We will also be hosting a Grand Opening on February 20th. We are excited about the opportunity to continue serving the community of Allenstown and the surrounding regions."

Renovations Almost Complete at Allen Plaza Building

Complete exterior renovations under way, early November

Built in 1966, the 20,000 sq. ft. commercial building next to Sully's Market has undergone a complete exterior remodeling. The project was expected to take about three weeks.

VIDEO: Remodeling of Allen Plaza as of Nov. 18, 2025

The Dunkin' shop on the left side was being renovated on the inside and the outside. Several work trucks were on site and numerous workers were remodeling the entire exterior of the building. Begun in early November, the old siding was removed, repairs made to the wallboards, and water resistant fabric was applied.

Front of renovated building (note new pavement)

On the front side above and below the overhang, and on part of the right side, Project Foreman Sean McKenna explained that "We installed Hardie Boards to the exterior. This is a 4x8 ft fiber cement product. To cover the nails and seams, we fastened 1x3 inch vertical wood strips. The overhang itself was repaired. Those business signs on top are temporary until the finished signs are delivered. The final step will be to paint the walls."

When asked about the holes dug in front of the walkway, he said "Those are for steel bollards that are being installed to prevent vehicles from accidentally hitting the store fronts. That will help lower insurance premiums."

The right and left sides of the building was finished with an expensive textured vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding along right side

A second concrete pedestal was recently built in the parking lot. Mr. McKenna explained that "The new light tower is going to be installed to provide more lighting around the whole area. Sully's digital billboard is also going to be renovated." By Nov. 21, the second full cutoff style light tower was in place.

Second light tower installed

This building and Sully's Market are owned by Allen Plaza LLC based out of North Reading, Mass. NGP Management is the parent company, also based in North Reading, Mass. Jim Clifford of NGP said, "NGP Management is a Dunkin' franchisee that operates a family-owned network of Dunkin' shops across New England. We promote a people-centered culture that cares about its people and customers."

He continued, "The project was originally to start in October but was delayed. The reason for the project was a Dunkin' corporate policy that requires their shops to be renovated every ten years. So it was time to renovate the Allenstown shop. Since it was part of our family of franchisees and the building needed some upgrades, we decided to renovate the building exterior while renovating the Dunkin' shop interior."

Dunkin' Shop gets remodeled inside and outside

Renovations of Dunkin' shops are usually paid for by the franchisee, but in this case NGP Management was covering the cost. Also, they took care of the Allenstown employees by relocating them to other nearby Dunkin' shops for the short term.

On November 22, the Dunkin' Shop was open for business. The new sign had been installed on the previous day. The drive-thru window looked like it was still being worked on. Notice the vinyl siding along the left wall.

Banners along the road proclaim Dunkin' is open for business

The interior was completely redesigned with a soft drink cooler, donut racks, coffee makers, and serving stations on the left side. Digital monitors display the menu.

The redesigned interior

The most impressive feature was the large panel on the back wall. This is the Allenstown version of the company's famous marketing slogan.

Allenstown gets its own slogan

In the front corner of the shop, Mike Adams, Director of Operations for NGP Management, sat working on his laptop and making phone calls. He graciously took time to answer some questions.

He strongly emphasized, "I want this shop to become a destination for customers." He also admitted, "With this renovation project, I wanted to make sure we did the right thing for the town. As the slogan says on the back wall, this town runs on Dunkin'. Without the support of the town, we'd have nothing."

He also added, "That sign is a feature we are adding to all our franchises to show customers we care about their town. Next year, we plan to repave the entire parking area out here and make a few more improvements."

Other renovations included repaving several worn out sections of the parking lot, repairing curbing in several places along Route 3, and landscaping. Mr. Clifford said that "Due to the lateness of the season, the landscaping may have to wait until the Spring."

One interesting detail is that you can see repaired windows on the upper right side of the building. The second floor has been vacant for many years and they decided it would be too expensive to build the necessary access to the second floor. Does anyone recall if there used to be a business on that second floor? Some residents recall that it was Suburban Furniture.

In addition, there is a large garage in the rear of the building that had been a repair shop for Hooksett Rent-a-Tool, a prior tenant. Mr. Clifford said, "For now, we will use it as a storage area for the owner."

The final touch for the renovations will be painting, new signage mounted on the front of the building and smaller signs for Small Town Styles Hair Salon and Mari-Vin's Deli.

What You Can Do

Be assured that the current businesses (and now Dunkin') are open during the renovations. They welcome your continued patronage while the exterior work is cpomiong to a close. Let us rejoice and be glad that NGP Management took on this major project. It has definitely resulted in a more attractive and inviting place to work and shop.

Allenstown is grateful to have such businesses as this who are willing to invest the time and money to improve their properties and contribute to the economic well being of Allenstown.