Cheers at the Weirs offers a spot to eat and socialize all year

WEIRS BEACH — Barry and Patty Myers are big fans of Weirs Beach restaurants. They like to have a place to kick back, grab a bite to eat and mingle with friends, both new and old. Now that the Gilford couple has opened Cheers at the Weirs, they can be the ones to host.

“You might come in as a stranger, but you’ll leave here as a friend,” Barry said. “It’s the people you come to socialize with that make it memorable.”

Members of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, city government and community supporters gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Cheers at the Weirs on Tuesday.

The restaurant officially opened its doors on Aug. 1, and Barry said he's had nothing but positive feedback from patrons. He said the entire community, including other nearby establishments like DOX on Winnipesaukee, have been helpful and supportive.

“It’s been a great start,” Barry said. “My job really begins after Labor Day, to attract some of the locals with specials.”

The story of Cheers at the Weirs begins with the Myers' love for socializing. Barry said this is the third business they have owned. The others are Paddy’s Ale House in Dracut, Massachusetts, and the Stumble Inn Bar and Grill in Londonderry. This time around, it was the location and clientele that really got the wheels turning.

“I enjoy making people happy,” Barry said. “I am a social person, and it is a great place to talk to people.”

Barry was a frequent customer at both the former establishment at 329 Lakeside Ave. — The Clubhouse — and the Crazy Gringo across the street, and always loved the atmosphere. The owner of both businesses, Bob Marouski, died in March, and Barry decided to purchase 329 Lakeside to open a restaurant of his own.

A major bonus was that much of the staff from the previous businesses stayed on board, which notably included bartender Judy Somerville.

“Judy was essentially the face of the Gringo and The Clubhouse,” Barry said. “She said, ‘If you buy it, I’ll work for you.’ And that kind of sealed the deal.”

Somerville called it a “wonderful local bar and restaurant,” and nobody ever wants to leave.

“It’s just as fun of a place to work,” Somerville said.

Barry takes pride in offering many food items made from scratch, including the meatballs, pizza sauce, homemade chips for nachos, and even their own honey mustard.

The menu has an array of Black Angus burgers and pizza, as well as appetizers like wings and mozzarella sticks. Cheers at the Weirs also offers several Italian dinners, like Barry's personal favorite chicken parmesan, along with ravioli and lasagna.

Cheers at the Weirs is not only a year-round establishment, but is also open seven days a week. This is something Chamber of Commerce President Karmen Gifford says is important, as her office often fields questions about where they can get food on a weekday.

“I am really happy they are open year-round, and a lot of restaurants are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays,” she said.

“And what a view,” she added while pointing toward Lake Winnipesaukee.

Gifford said the business is vital for Weirs Beach, and hopes being open all year will entice other businesses to follow suit.

City Manager Kirk Beattie also said a new business that will be open all year is positive for the area.

“It’s very exciting,” Beattie said. “Talking to the new owners, they bring experience in the restaurant business, and also have a lot of energy.”

Barry said he has been pleasantly surprised at how busy Lakeside Avenue has been this summer. This bodes well for local businesses like Cheers at the Weirs, as tourists and locals alike have been dropping in for food with an Italian flair in the cozy spot on the north side of the Weirs.

“If you want to come and socialize, meet new people, this is the place to go,” Barry said. “It’s a very friendly environment.”