NASHUA, NH – Ellisa Drift has been working in restaurants since she was a teenager. She is a familiar face in Nashua having worked as a manager in downtown restaurants since 2009. After more than 20 years of being an employee, she is taking the next big step and will be the owner/operator of her own restaurant.
Tuesday, December 10, will be the grand opening of her Local Street Eats restaurant at 112 West Pearl Street in downtown Nashua. Their slogan is “Skip the food truck and join us at the table!”
The menu features an eclectic collection of dishes inspired by street foods from all over the world. The vibe is cool and casual and the menu has a variety that should inspire repeat visits.
Describing her restaurant Drift said, “I want to give Nashua something they don’t have. So, something vibrant, something unique and I want the food to be approachable. Really, just good food made with fresh ingredients. I have a friendly staff. a well-oiled machine that works well together. And I’m fortunate because I come with a good team.”
In about a month she found a location, assembled a team from her connections, and devised a menu with her husband, a seasoned chef and restaurant pro. She remodeled the recently-closed Codex Speakeasy location and transformed it into a warm, colorful space. The dining room is separate from the bar/lounge area and they have room for 75 guests.
Draft is bullish on Nashua and is happy to be in the heart of downtown Hers will be the latest of transformed locations on West Pearl Steet since the Nashua Center for the Arts opened.
“I feel like downtown is up and coming. The city is investing a lot in infrastructure. Many young professionals are moving down here. There’s a lot of premium housing going in for the people who have those disposable incomes. People who are not necessarily commuting to Boston, but telecommuting to Boston, have that Boston income, but they’re living in Nashua. They have a little bit more wiggle room in their budget and we are close by,” she said.
They will be open five nights a week serving from 4 pm to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The location will also be available for event rental.
Drift’s enthusiasm for the new venture is apparent and is looking forward to the grand opening next week, “I’m just super excited. I’m just over the moon. I’ve gotten such positive feedback, and, everyone’s like, this is just such a fun spot. We’re going to welcome the community with open arms.”
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