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The original Old Salt, meaning “old sailor,” was a guest house on J Street in Hampton Beach. In 1976 the guesthousewas purchased and named by Nancy Higgins, who with her family had spent many summers in Hampton. Nancy had decided to settle here permanently. Later, in 1986 a small restaurant known as The Corona House, located at 83 Ocean Blvd was purchased by Nancy and renamed The Old Salt Eating and Drinking Place.
Nancy contracted her two sons, Joe and Mike, who were both working at restaurants in Massachusetts and they came to Hampton Beach to help their mother and family friend, Ken Fair, set up the restaurant. The following year Nancy’s daughter Kathi, upon completion of her degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, joined the budding family business. Together the Higgins family established a successful beachside restaurant known for its great food and comfortable atmosphere. Every summer night the restaurant and lounge would be bustling with tourists, many of who returned year after year. When the summer season ended, the locals reclaimed the beach and the familiar faces of the “regulars” would be seen at The Old Salt once again. Even the staff was loyal,working for the family for many years.
On June 16, 1999 tragedy struck The Old Salt’s family and friends.
A fire that began on the stairs of the building next door quickly spread and eventually claimed three buildings and numerous businesses. Fortunately no lives were lost, but it did mean an abrupt end to The Old Salt.
The family immediately rebounded and just two weeks after the devastating fire opened for business at The Whales Tale, located in the Hampton Beach Casino complex. On February 21, 2001 the family purchased Lamie’s Inn located in downtown Hampton. The Inn’s rich history seemed the perfect setting for The Old Salt Eating and Drinking Place. With much anticipation, the restaurant opened for business March 28, 2001.
For almost 6 years, the Higgins family worked together to run Lamie’s Inn and The Old Salt Restaurant. Sadly, Nancy passed away in September of 2007. She will be remembered with great affection for her warm hospitality and outstanding service to the Hampton community and visitors from all over. Her family continues the business with the same passion for value and integrity that she possessed.
