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Bernie’s Beach Bar is planning a major expansion this summer, as the Hampton Beach bar’s owner has bought properties south of its current location to triple its size.
Al Fleury, owner of Bernie’s at 73 Ocean Blvd. on the corner of L Street, purchased the two properties just south of Bernie’s at 69 and 71 Ocean Blvd. He plans to build a new deck on top of those buildings, connecting to the original Bernie’s two-story location. A new stage would go in the center of the expansion.
The expansion will not prevent Bernie’s from opening May 1, Fleury said. The additions should be open by July if the project is approved by the Planning Board, he said. Fleury said the setup will lessen the amount of sound from the music that travels into the surrounding neighborhood, he said.
Fleury said the new location of the stage will prevent loud music from bothering neighbors. He’s received complaints in the past about noise.
Fleury said Bernie’s success since it opened in 2013 has created a need for expansion. He said each summer has brought bigger crowds, leading to long waits and a crowded bar. The bar has a beach theme with thatched umbrellas over every table and regular live music, often reggae.
With the new addition this summer, more space will mean a more relaxed environment for patrons as well as smoother service from the waitstaff, he said.
“We have the great problem of just getting too busy,” Fleury said. “This will allow us to space out and relax without people bumping into each other, get to the bar, be in the bar scene if they want.”
The buildings on Fleury’s new property currently houses Aloha Ice Cream and Tasty Food and Pizza. He said he intends to renovate those spaces to improve their storefronts.
Bernie’s is one of three bars Fleury owns at Hampton Beach. The others are Wally’s Pub at 144 Ashworth Ave. and the Goat at 20 L Street on the corner of Ashworth Avenue. Fleury bought Wally’s 13 years ago. He eventually bought La Bec Rouge, the restaurant at the location he transformed into Bernie’s after a burst pipe in 2012. The country-themed Goat was opened in 2014.
Fleury said his bars have been successful because of their proximity to each other as well as their diversity.
“You can hop around. Nobody wants to spend five hours at one place and sit at a bar stool,” Fleury said. “We show people a really vast array of a good time.”
Fleury also said the addition will make room for more large-table reservations, something he said vacationers with big families look forward to when they visit Hampton Beach. He plans to have Bernie’s serve breakfast this year as well.
