New owners add restaurant to White Mountain Cider Company

Store is now located in renovated barn at the back of the property on Route 302 in Glen

The purchase of White Mountain Cider Company in Glen this past May has become a two-pronged business for Scott and Teresa Stearns.In addition to continuing the store and gift shop, the Stearns have opened a restaurant on the property. The White Mountain Cider Company Restaurant and Bar is located in the building that used to be the store. The store, in turn, has moved to the barn, which has been extensively renovated.The combination business is working well."We're excited," Scott said. "We've gotten a good response."Scott, 28, is from North Conway; Teresa, 32, is originally from Seattle, Wash. Both are chefs, and both are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. They leased and ran the Rare Bear at Bernerhof for four years.While running a restaurant is familiar to them, running a store is something new. Given the seasonal fluctuations in the local economy, they felt having both would help one sustain the other.They purchased the property from Chris and Lynn Brown, who ran White Mountain Cider Company for several years. Their plan from the beginning was to continue the store as well as open a restaurant, but originally they were going to do it all in one building."As the plan moved along, it made sense to separate the two," Scott said.The store features a wide range of New England products, such as maple syrup, apple butter, salad dressings, post cards and books. There is also fresh coffee and baked goods, including cider doughnuts "the most important thing," Scott said.Apple season is approaching, and White Mountain Cider Company will soon be pressing its own cider. Cider demonstrations will be held every weekend starting in a week or two.On Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., White Mountain Cider Company will be hosting the annual Cider Fest and Pie Contest. There will be music, food and activities for the kids. Proceeds from the apple pie contest will go to Bartlett Pre-School. There will also be a wine-tasting, with proceeds going to American Red Cross.Scott said the event has been popular in the past."Usually about 1,000 people go through here," he said.With Conway Scenic Railroad tracks running right behind the store, White Mountain Cider Company also hosts some train-related special events, including a Pumpkin Patch Train, Christmas Tree Train and Junior Railroad Day. Through special arrangements with Conway Scenic Railroad, the train will bring passengers to White Mountain Cider Company for these events.While the store is popular among tourists because of its New England products, it also draws in locals for the coffee, cider doughnuts and other baked goods.Teresa Stearns finds the store end of the business very rewarding."I love the store, I love the baking," she said. "It's a lot of work, but it's a good time."The restaurant, which opened in July, has about 60 seats, including the lounge. There is also some patio seating. A loft area upstairs has sofas and chairs and is a great place to relax with drinks and appetizers.The restaurant has a good local following, Scott said. And, with Attitash just a couple miles up the road, the Stearns are expecting a lot of skiers this winter."We have the loft and a big fireplace," Scott said. "It's going to be a great feel in the winter."The restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The lunch menu features what Teresa calls "gourmet" soups, sandwiches and salads. The dinner menu is described as contemporary New England fare.The Stearns will be conducting cooking schools this winter for people wanting to add a little flair to their own meals.White Mountain Cider Company is located on Route 302, one mile north of the Glen traffic light on the left-hand side. Both the store and restaurant are open seven days a week, year-round. The restaurant serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The store is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Phone number is 383-9061.