ALLENSTOWN – The future of the one hardware store for miles around Allenstown is now uncertain. Allenstown Aubuchon Hardware has been a landmark enterprise for several decades and has served area residents with every need from nuts and bolts to shrubs and plants to pallets of wood pellets.
Aubuchon Realty sold the Allenstown Aubuchon property in April 2023 to 77 Turnpike Street LLC of Gilford for $750,000 per the tax card. The building sits on a two acre lot at the corner of Turnpike Street and Route 28 with 370 feet of frontage on Turnpike Street.
When asked why his business name is the same as Aubuchon’s address, the new owner, Spiros Athanas, said that it was based on just that. He confirmed that the current lease expires sometime next year.
The town building inspector informed the selectmen on Oct. 21 that he had received a proposal from an engineering company for replacing the hardware store with a McDonald’s restaurant. Recently the store manager stated that their lease runs out next summer but Aubuchon Corporation placed that property on its list of stores to be rebranded as Ace Hardware stores. He said that “right now, we are a tenant at will.”
Athanas said that certain factors led to purchasing this property. Several months ago, he had discussed this with Derik Goodine, the former town administrator, who was positive about a possible McDonald’s restaurant. Athanas also had sold another property and, when Aubuchon Hardware became available, he decided it would be a good investment. He also said he is considering several options: McDonald’s, a dollar store, or other use. It was mentioned that there is already a Family Dollar just across Route 3. The final decision is yet to be made.
When asked if he was considering the economic needs of the community, he said he would definitely consider the interests of the town.
