A thunderstorm rolled through overnight but provided little rain. The day dawned with overcast skies that were tinged with a strange orange glow, as shown in the preceding photo.

Weather reports noted that smoke from Canadian wildfires would be passing through New Hampshire and advised people with healthy problems to stay indoors until it cleared later in the day.

But that did not hinder the folks who filled up the new restaurant Wednesday morning.

The location is ideal right at the intersection of Routes 3 & 28. With Route 28 being recently repaved, this makes it appealing to commuters heading to work in Hooksett and Manchester, or Pembroke and Concord. Those same commuters will pass by at the end of the day. It's also on the path for vacationers heading up Route 28 to the lakes on Friday night and returning late Sunday. All the other businesses near Routes 3 & 28 will also benefit from proximity to this major intersection.

Owner Michael Gambino said, "today was what we call a 'soft opening' to make sure everything was going according to plan: trained employees were on hand, the kiosks were functioning, the kitchen equipment was working, vendors delivered the necessary food and supplies, those sorts of things."

When asked about staffing, Mr. Gambino said, "we hired 35 employees and are still hiring." That was a significant piece of data since it shows that they created a large number of new positions for local people.

By late morning the place was packed with diners

Resident Lisa Towle was enjoying lunch with a few friends. She commented that "This restaurant is very beneficial to the town, and the manager is very pleasant." When looking at the number of people inside, Fire Chief John Sartorelli said " It was a good turn out." Police Chief Beth Tower said "I love the French Fries" as she finished off the last few fries she had ordered.

Participate in the ongoing raffle.

They are also holding a raffle for prizes like a $500 Amazon gift card, and Xbox Console, and a bicycle. With every purchase, you can ask for a raffle ticket, fill it in, and drop it in the raffle box shown below. The prize winners will be announced during the Grand Opening on September 18.

The Grand Opening was pushed out to September because they are working on a new store in Dover, NH set to open in late August and another store in Milford, NH set to open in September.

Box for your raffle tickets

The Allenstown Special

In addition to the raffle, after some negotiating, the restaurant is offering a meal unique to Allenstown:
a cheeseburger, French Fries, and soda for $3.99.

Jeremy Hinton, Director of Operations for New Hampshire

Mr. Hinton was on hand today but noted that Amanda Maguire is the General Manager. He exhibits a warm and caring servant attitude toward customers. He is not reluctant to bring an order to a customer and frequently helps employees with advice and guidance. He admitted that he "just loves helping and serving our guests."

Jeremy Hinton bringing a food order to a customer's table.

Jeremy Hinton (center) helping customers at the counter.

Along with many town officials, the Allenstown Firefighters arrived in Engine 2.

Allenstown officials (L to R): Peter Desantis (EDC), Scott McDonald (Selectman - retired), Michael Gambino (Store Owner), John Childs (Selectman), John Sartorelli (AFD Fire Chief), Hugo Sarrano (AFD FF/EMT), and Brian Rondeau (AFD Lieutenant)

A welcoming party was organized by EDC Chairman Michael Frascinella who stressed the need to make the effort to formally welcome new businesses to town. Every new business offers their unique goods and services, provides employment for residents (including young people), and contributes to the tax revenue that supports town government functions.

Other town officials arrived after the group photo was taken.

Michael Gambino and Fire Chief Sartorelli enjoy a laugh together.

Michael Gambino, Police Chief Beth Tower, and Fire Chief John Sartorelli exchange some stories.

Road Agent Chad Pelissier operates a kiosk

Later on, Chad Pelissier and a crew from the Highway Department arrived, adding to the number of town officials participating in the opening day. Here Mr. Pelissier was busy ordering lunch from one of the store's touch screen kiosks.

Business Details

Web Site: Allenstown McDonald's Restaurant

Address: 77 Turnpike St. (near Route 3 & 28)

Business Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 5 a.m. to Midnight

What You Can Do

Some people said they came for the fries and the coffee, but many people ordered a full meal. Whatever your preference, McDonald's Restaurant is here to serve you.