I like tourism, and I like being a tourist. It's enjoyable to go and see things you don’t see in your “native” life. Getting away from it all is one thing, but getting exposed to culture, food and society is another. But I don’t like the idea that your local economy should be built on tourism alone. In Dover, we’ve done a solid job of bringing tourist activities to the community, and we are certainly lucky to have the Woodman and the Children’s museums call our city home. Thankfully, we have tourism that supplements our other activities and sectors. 

I bring this up because I see concerns about economic decisions that may affect Canadian tourism in the state. You can easily see how that might impact your community if your economy was based on those tourists alone. I also think about a recent podcast episode I listened to about how Salem, Massachusetts residents have a love/hate relationship with tourists, with the city of 44,000 people experiencing an annual exponential population explosion with the surge of tourists from late September through early November. More than a million people visit the city during that time!

A relative of mine worked at a Maui, Hawaii resort and told me how the natives hated the resort he managed, seeing the tourists as invaders. It didn’t matter that the tourists provided significant job opportunities for most of the town's residents. And it didn’t matter that there was no real option for much other activity. They felt invaded and would be happy to be left alone. I'm sure some people in Salem feel the same way. 

As I noted, we have a good balance in Dover for tourism, trades, retail, service, etc. You can come and enjoy the museums, the arts and culture draw in the summer, and our other tourist activities. But we also have year-round shops and services that are not necessarily impacted by climate, gas prices or whimsy (though I suppose everything is impacted by whimsy). 

We have a healthy economy in Dover, and it continues to grow and evolve as we grow and evolve. The downtown changes, the roads leading in and out of downtown evolve and we see some businesses that stand the test of time, rolling with the punches. We also see businesses that create trends, and some that ride them, see the end coming, and adjust. It's fun to sit back and look at how new places become old friends. It’s also fun to sit back and say, “Remember where the Friendly Toast was when it started in Dover?”

Have a great week, 

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

Local Business Spotlight

By Reid Bickley,

Business Development Specialist

How Juniper Kitchen Nourishes Dover

Located at 6 Third St. in the former Roots location, Juniper Kitchen is a restaurant built on passion, perseverance, and a commitment to good food. Owner Betsy Samber stepped into restaurant ownership when she saw an opportunity to create a space where plant-based and allergy-friendly meals could be enjoyed by all.

“I’ve always wanted to own a restaurant and have thought a lot about food over the years that I’ve been vegan,” she shared. “Roots going up for sale was an exciting opportunity that I didn’t expect would materialize like that.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. Only three months after opening in late 2022, a bursting sprinkler forced a five-month closure followed by another unexpected water leak last August. Rather than give up, Betsy personally rebuilt the kitchen and pressed forward.

Juniper Kitchen sets itself apart by making everything from scratch; from house-made vegan meats and sauces to baked goods that even non-vegans love. They also emphasize sustainability, using compostable takeout containers and working with Seacoast Climate Action Now to offer reusable packaging.

Beyond food, Juniper Kitchen is deeply connected to the community. “The Dover community has always been the driving motivation behind what we do at Juniper Kitchen,” Betsy said. The restaurant actively collaborates with local businesses, supports nonprofit initiatives, and provides a welcoming space for all. From partnering with local farms like Nerdy Turnip Farm to offering discounts for Dover teachers and cyclists, Juniper Kitchen’s impact extends far beyond its menu. The restaurant also showcases local artwork further reinforcing its dedication to celebrating and supporting local talent.

Despite the challenges, Betsy finds daily rewards in the support of the community.

“We hear almost every day from someone expressing how excited they are that we’re here or how happy they are to find somewhere they can enjoy food even with their allergies or dietary restrictions,” she said.

Recently, Betsy extended Juniper Kitchen's hours. They are now from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Supporting Juniper Kitchen means more than just grabbing a meal, it’s about investing in a business that invests in Dover, proving that when local businesses lift each other up, the entire community thrives. 

The Juniper Kitchen is nestled on Third Street between Breakaway Cafe and Christopher's Third Street Grille.

Milestone Moments/Business Anniversaries

As we wrap up March, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the achievements of several outstanding local businesses. Their dedication and contributions continue to make Dover a vibrant and thriving community.

Flawless Faces Lash & Brow Artistry celebrated five years in business on March 6. Congratulations to Ashley O'Brien and her team for reaching this milestone and for providing exceptional beauty services to the community. Wishing you many more successful years ahead.

Diverge. Recently marked its fifth anniversary on March 4. TJ Bernard and Shannon Booth’s commitment to exceptional dining and hospitality has made a lasting impact. Congratulations to them on five years, and cheers to many more!

Ikko Japanese Restaurant reached a major milestone, celebrating 10 years in business! Congratulations to Jason Huang for a decade of providing outstanding sushi and Japanese cuisine to the Dover community. His dedication to quality and service has made Ikko a standout in Dover’s restaurant scene.

Jewelry Creations celebrated eight years under the ownership of Kelly and Doug Glennon on March 13 (the original owners opened it in 1981). Their passion for fine jewelry and commitment to excellence have made Jewelry Creations a trusted name in the community. Wishing you and your team continued success in the years ahead.

A special congratulations also goes out to all of the 2025 Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce's annual award winners. Your hard work and dedication help make Dover a strong and welcoming place for businesses and residents alike.

If your business has an upcoming milestone or achievement you’d like featured in our Down to Business newsletter, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us at Dover-BusinessDevelopment@dover.nh.gov.

Engaging Your Audience with Polls, Quizzes, and Q&A

Social media is all about conversation, and interactive content like polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions can transform passive followers into engaged participants. Polls are a quick and easy way to gather insights from your audience while making them feel involved in your brand. Use them to ask for product feedback, gauge interest in upcoming events, or even have some fun with lighthearted “this or that” questions. Quizzes add an element of entertainment and can drive deeper engagement by helping users learn something new about your brand, services, or industry. Meanwhile, Q&A sessions allow you to directly address customer concerns, highlight expertise, and build stronger relationships with your followers.

To maximize engagement, respond to participants consistently to keep the conversation going. Use polls in Instagram Stories or Facebook to spark quick responses and drive up engagement rates. Create quizzes related to your industry that provide value while subtly promoting your products or services. Host a weekly or monthly Q&A where customers can ask about your business, upcoming releases, or industry trends. Interactive content not only increases visibility through algorithm-friendly engagement but also creates a stronger connection between your brand and your audience. Start experimenting with these tools, and you’ll see how quickly your community becomes more engaged and invested in your business.

Tip of the Week!

This week, post an Instagram or Facebook poll asking your audience about their preferences on a product, service, or trending topic in your industry. Then, follow up with a post or Story sharing the results and tagging some of the participants to continue the conversation!

Office Hours:

Office of Business Development Highlights

Here are some things business development staff have been working on in March:

Earlier this month we wrote about the hidden costs of New Hampshire’s childcare shortage. Business Development staff had the opportunity to participate in a stakeholder interview as part of the Strafford Regional Planning Commission’s study on regional childcare access. This project is designed to support municipalities and other stakeholders such as businesses, childcare centers, and families impacted by the lack of available and affordable childcare. SPRC will present the findings from their study on Friday, April 18 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Rochester Childcare Center, 95 Charles St., Rochester. If you'd like to join, RSVP here.

Outdoor dining applications for 2025 are now live on the City’s online permit portal. This year’s season opens on Tuesday, April 15. This application is only required for businesses requesting space in the public right-of-way or city-owned parking spaces. For outdoor seating on private property, contact the Inspection Services Division to confirm whether your proposal requires amendments to your Health license or Place of Assembly license.

Coordinator James Burdin has been researching Dover’s economic landscape and our businesses’ needs for an update to the city’s Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and assisting with the ongoing Land Use Analysis Chapter update. Deputy Manager Christopher Parker is preparing for a presentation and panel discussion on the Waterfront District Development for this week’s State of the City hosted by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce. And speaking of the Chamber, Specialist Reid Bickely represented our office at their annual Awards Gala earlier this month – congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!

Question of the Week

The Office of Business Development is asking a “question of the week” to get your feedback on topics related to our local business community.

This week's question: What questions do you have about the Office of Business Development, or about development in Dover in general?

Let us know here: https://polco.us/f5rxdm.

Here are the results from last week's poll, which asked, If you could open a small business in our area, what would it be?

Dover Download podcast: Your guide

to what's happening this week

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Services Director John Storer, Library Director Denise LaFrance, and Information Technology Director Annie Dove about the proposed FY26 budget.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or find it here.

Business Event Happenings 

Free Movie Night: "Buy Now!" at Replenish Refillery, March 26 at 6 p.m.

2A Waldron Court. This eye-opening documentary exposes the tactics brands use to drive consumerism and its impact on our lives. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and guided discussions throughout the film.

Adult Play Date at Children's Museum of NH, March 28, 7-9 p.m.

6 Washington St. A special Sip & Sketch event where adults explore the museum’s exhibits, meet Center for Wildlife animals, and learn to draw/paint with illustrator Sean Bixby. Enjoy crafts, a cash bar, and a fun-filled evening. 21+ $18 in advance/$20 at the door. Get tickets here.

Biodiversity Collage Workshop with Seacoast Permaculture, March 29, 1-4 p.m.

15 Brookmoor Road at the Farmwood Village recreation center. Join for a hands-on, collaborative workshop exploring the systemic aspects of biodiversity—what it is, how it supports ecosystems, and what threatens it. This interactive session offers a creative and engaging way to deepen your understanding of the living world. Registration required. $30-60 sliding scale.

Complete Listings

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!

Click here to add your events to the community calendar.