New Business: The Shuck Shack oyster bar opens in Hampton; Ice cream shop in Newmarket
May 24—A NEW RAW BAR and taco spot will debut this Memorial Day weekend at Hampton Beach.
The Shuck Shack is operated by Swell Oyster Co. and offers freshly caught oysters from near and far.
The place at 3 D St., which features a concessions window and patio, officially opened on Friday in the former LobDog spot below North of Nola.
"We tried to make it feel like a beachy vacation space," owner Russ Hilliard said. "Maybe you're from Hampton, but this doesn't feel like Hampton."
Hilliard and business partner Conor Walsh farm oysters on 5 acres in the harbor and 2 acres out in the open ocean. Swell Oyster Co. also operates a small retail space nearby.
The Shuck Shack will be a "go-to destination for all things Raw Bar + Tacos on Hampton Beach," according to its website.
The restaurant will feature its local Swell oysters and other features from Massachusetts and Maine. Other raw bar items include littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, Jonah crab claws, and house made ceviche and caviar.
Tacos seemed like a natural addition for those who don't like raw bars. The menu also includes lobster rolls and other bites, such as Mexican street corn, cucumber seaweed salad. The place has a beer and wine license.
"It kind of felt like a natural progression to really showcase everything we can do," Hilliard said.
I scream, you scream
A new ice cream shop, Sprinkled on Main, has opened on Main Street in Newmarket just in time for the unofficial start to summer.
The space at 80 Main St. had previously been Brown's Bagel Shop, Newmarket Creperie and even an ice cream shop, Get the Scoop.
"Spreading happiness one sprinkle at a time," its Facebook page reads.
The space had been remodeled to feature blue and pink walls and modern furniture. Even the round light fixtures include sprinkle decorations.
Slice of summer
Playa Bowls, known for its acai and smoothies, held its grand opening in Salem, on Sunday, May 19. Hundreds lined up to get T-shirts, stickers and free bowls.
Known as New Jersey's original acai shop, Playa Bowls serves up "healthy bowls made with the freshest ingredients." The shop is located next to Shake Shack.
Sweetgreen is also set to open at Tuscan Village on Tuesday.
Mediterranean returns
Down the street from Tuscan, Beiruti Mediterranean Restaurant opened in the place of the former Jocelyn's Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge.
The owners had transitioned the space at 355 S. Broadway into Puff Cigar Lounge, but decided to revert some of the space back into a restaurant. The restaurant and smoking lounge will be open at different times.
The place is being dubbed "the best authentic Mediterranean in the area." The restaurant held a soft opening on Wednesday. The restaurant is operated by Richard Sfeir with the support of his father, George, former head chef at Jocelyn's.
"As you enter Beiruti Mediterranean Restaurant you will be met with a truly unique dining experience," a post on Facebook reads. "With excellent service and a completely renovated space, you will enjoy delicious dining in a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere."
Stella's on Seacoast
The owners of two Seacoast cafes have opened a third one: Stella's Cafe in the Pointe Place neighborhood of Dover.
It's the sibling cafe to Lil's in Kittery, Maine, and The Islander in New Castle.
Stella's promises "a unique blend of flavors, warmth, and community spirit." The menu will feature artisanal coffees, pastries and lunch items.
"Every bite and sip at Stella's is a celebration of quality ingredients and heartfelt hospitality," its website reads.
Have an idea for New Business? Email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.
