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MANCHESTER, N.H. — The last-minute Thanksgiving rush is well underway for restaurants and caterers, and some places report being busier than ever.
The Kearsarge Grocer was packing up turkeys, pies and other Thanksgiving favorites Tuesday.
“We have a three-day window they can come and get them, and today is the main turkey pickup day,” said Melissa Donald, of the Kearsarge Grocer.
With more people planning traditional family gatherings once again, business is up almost double over last year.
“Last year, we had 60 turkey orders,” Donald said. “This year, we have 100 turkey orders.”
At the Red Arrow Diner, it’s all about the pies.
“We have banana cream, chocolate cream, coconut cream, death by chocolate cream,” said Robin Deary, of the Red Arrow Diner. “We have pecan pie, strawberry rhubarb. My favorite is blueberry lemon.”
The diner has been selling about 100 pies per day this week, all while preparing to serve full meals Thursday.
“Hundreds of turkey dinners on the actual Thanksgiving,” Deary said.
Other restaurants are taking a different approach. Business is booming at The Foundry in Manchester, but after facing staffing issues over the past few months, the restaurant decided to give employees a break for Thanksgiving.