Page 9 - OCT2021

October 2021
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
Page 9
Community
By leslie sanDeRson
Bridgewater Inn’s Food, Ambiance, and Family Charm Newfound
Sitting on the porch of the Bridgewater Inn, Japanese Steak House, and Tavern, owner Di- anna Kang modestly discusses major improvements she and her husband Soon-Jin Kang have made to the early 1800s Inn. These include a Japanese Steak House, a brick pizza oven, an inside dining area - the Sun Room - surrounded by a cov- ered porch with a bar, and a garden patio. "The woods line came right up to the basketball court," Kang laughs, indicating where a lovely dining patio now sits instead. Customers wield cues in the new pool room in the upstairs Tavern while enjoy- ing karaoke or live music by the bar. Locals affectionately call the Tavern the "BINN."
The Kangs were Military Police who met in Korea, fell in love, and moved to the U.S. to start their family. They trans- formed a Concord convenience store into a specialty market with top-quality meats, grocer- ies, and deli sandwiches as their first ventures. Convivial Dianna ran the front of the market, and Soon-Jin handled the back op- eration. This division of labor is their modus operandi and con- tributes to their success, in addi- tion to their strong work ethic, commitment to quality, and
spot-on understanding of what their customers want.
In the late '90s, they planned to sell the market and move to Korea, but New Hampton School recruited their daughter Jessica and then son Justin for their ice hockey teams! These opportunities meshed with the Kangs' vision of superior ed- ucation for their kids. So they stayed in New Hampshire and looked for a business near New Hampton so the kids could live at home while attending the School. A lucky business card exchange led the couple to buy the Bridgewater Inn and its motel located on Route 3A in 2000.
While Dianna and Soon-Jin developed their restaurant and motel business, both children at- tended New Hampton for four years. The School gave Jessica its most prestigious Meservey Award. After she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of N.H., the New Hampton School hired her as a teacher, and she is now Dean of Faculty. Justin grad- uated from Norwich Univer- sity. Their loving family and the restaurant business drew both kids back. Until recently, Jessica was a server during the summers. Justin joined the staff as Head Line Chef in 2010,
Dianna Kang charms customers of the Bridgewater Inn, Japanese Steakhouse, and Tavern
and Kang says proudly, "Justin brought strong organizational skills that complement Soon- Jin's, and together they create extraordinary fresh and deli- cious meals."
The Kangs quietly support the Newfound community. "We do it because we want to be- cause it's the right thing to do," says Kang. They raise funds for organizations like Bridgewater Fire and Rescue and the Tapply Thompson Community Center. The house matches funds raised through karaoke contests and
other fun challenges, rounding up to make the amount signifi- cant to local charities.
When asked about Covid- 19's effect on the business, Kang says they have offered safe dis- tanced dining in the Sun Room and outside on the covered deck and patio, with flame heaters keeping out the chill. Waiters wear masks for safety, and CDC recommendations are followed. "Our ability to hire dedicated wait staff held firm over the past 18 months, and takeout business has been as brisk as in-house
dining," says Kang, explaining how they have been surviving the pandemic.
Open year-round, the restau- rant attracts families, snow- mobilers, vacationers, locals, wedding parties, and others who appreciate high-quality food served in a charming setting at reasonable prices. For menus, hours, entertainment sched- ules, and other information, go to www.facebook.com/bridge- water.inn.1/or www.bridgewa- ter-inn.com. For reservations, call 603-744-3518.
The Bridgewater Inn is pleased to offer family dining in our safe (socially distance) dining room. We offer American & Japanese appetizers, home- made Italian pasta dishes, gourmet wood-fired brick oven pizza’s, Black Angus flamed grilled steaks, the freshest seafood, our famous Japanese Fried Rice, the chef’s specialty “Bulgogi”...wraps, burgers, salads and so much more. All prepared by a father & son team. (Soon Jin & Justin)
We offer indoor dining or take-out,
curb side if requested. https://orders.cake.net/10165594
for online ordering or visit our website menu and call 603-744-3518 http://bridgewater-inn.com/dining-menu.html
We open at 4pm on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 11am on Saturday & Sunday, Closed on Monday & Tuesday.
367 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater (603) 744-3518 • www.bridgewater-inn.com
Mark Dragon, President
PO Box 462, New Hampton, NH 03256
603-393-9879
Fully Insured
Lock Outs
Flat Tire
$60 Gas Delivery $25
Jump Starts
Local & Long Distance Tows - plus $4 per mile
Dollies
if required
Specializing in Night Services 2pm - 2am