Tucker’s to Open Sixth Location in Bedford

Pandemic-related challenges have not hindered the growth of this New Hampshire chain.

“We felt really good about the way we came through the pandemic, the way we had positioned ourselves and how our customer base is responding to us – based on our commitment to local, our commitment to continuing to support our farmers and also provide an awesome place for our team. So, we felt like we can still weather the storm,” says Tucker’s CEO Hale Cole-Tucker.

Tucker’s, a Granite State favorite, is opening their sixth location in Bedford on Oct. 25. Seven years since their first restaurant opened, the mission is still the same: “Good Eats, Great People.”

Cole-Tucker says they’d been looking to open a Manchester-area location for a while, and when this opportunity presented itself, it was the perfect fit. Formerly an Outback Steakhouse, the space has since been renovated and redesigned in the iconic Tucker’s style.

Homemade and high-quality is the basis for all the food they serve, which is highlighted in their partnerships with local farms, coffee roasters, sugarhouses and more. Read the full list of partners here.

“Our customers know the difference. You can really feel good about the food,” says Cole-Tucker.

Serving up breakfast and lunch every day of the week, Tucker’s prioritizes fresh, delicious ingredients. From staples such as pancakes, French toast and omelets, to specialties like their egg skillets and bowls, Tucker’s has your morning covered. The best part: breakfast is served all day.

Not a breakfast person? They also serve a delicious lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring sandwiches like the Micro Mama’s Reuben and West Coast Club. Heartier options such as their Pesto Power Bowl or grass-fed beef chili are available as well.

Read the full menu here.

Unique to the Bedford location will be a brunch-based cocktail menu. Given its popularity, the store will be takeout-centric, with plenty of waiting space and grab-and-go shelving. “We know that takeout is here to stay,” says Cole-Tucker.

Despite their impressive pace, Cole-Tucker says this location has taken quite a bit longer than usual to get up and running. “Normally we can put one of these restaurants together in three to four months, and this took us about a year,” he says. They experienced struggles with hiring and staffing, as well as supply chain issues impacting construction due to the pandemic.

Customers should eat at Tucker’s for the great atmosphere and experience coupled with a menu that is over 55 percent locally-sourced, Cole-Tucker says. In the future, they hope to reach 65 percent.

Fostering a positive work environment is crucial to Cole-Tucker. “Our team is amazing… They’re super excited about what they’re doing and they’re excited about Tucker’s,” he says. “We really work tirelessly at providing a great place for our team to work, through just trying to make a fun work environment, trying to make a positive work experience and also providing really great benefits and pay.”

With an impressive six locations opened in seven years, Cole-Tucker says they feel good about where they’re at and are opportunistic. For now, they plan to focus on areas other than growth, such as increasing local partnerships and sustainability.

Tuckers’ new Bedford location will be located at 95 S. River Road, and open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Follow them on Instagram @tuckerstribe.