When The Kitchen restaurant announced it would be leaving Andover, there was a town-wide groan of dismay. But it didn’t take long for another restaurant to fill the empty spot at 46 Main Street.
Drake’s Place Eatery and Market opened its doors on September 10 and has been busy serving a menu of “farm to table” foods with a “unique twist on American classics” to a fast-growing base of customers.
Drake’s Place, named after owners Nate and Shelby Nagy’s almost 18-month-old boy, is the result of the couple’s dream to return to Nate’s childhood home in Andover; to live sustainably; and to create a business that combines Nate’s love of food and expertise as a chef – he received a Culinary Degree from the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont – with Shelby’s skills in business and “love of the land and all things crafting.”
Nate, who graduated from AE/MS in ‘90 and Proctor in ‘94, met Shelby in her home state of Utah through a mutual friend from Warner. Shelby said it really is a small world.
Their son Drake was born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing them to rethink what was important and leading them to move back to Andover to revive the family farm. They are now raising pigs and chickens and cultivating a large garden, all of which are used in their menu at the restaurant.
The vision of forming a restaurant was to support the local community by using local (and New England) farmers’ produce and goods as well as handcrafted items. Drake’s Place also offers an indoor farmers market where people can find locally raised meats, dairy, eggs, produce, and other quality products made by small family-owned businesses.
One example is Wyatt’s Wicked Goods, known regionally for his cookies, muffins, and breads, which can be purchased for take-out along with fresh brewed coffee.
In addition to offering indoor and seasonal outdoor dining, Drake’s Place also offers contactless pick-up. Customers can call ahead and pick up their order at the patio window.
And, for diners wishing to have beer or wine with their food, the restaurant has a liquor license. Gluten free items are also available.
Hours are Thursday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Drake’s Place is located at 46 Main Street (Route 11), in the same plaza as Naughty Nellie’s Ice Cream. Visit their website at DrakesPlaceNH.com, or their Facebook page, to check out their menu and other information.