News & Awards

Cactus Jack's Grill & Watering Hole has been making news. We have been featured in The Hippo Press, The Union Leader, New Hampshire Magazine, Phantom Gourmet and more!

Lisa Allen, 2021 Outstanding Women in Business recipient - February 11, 2021

BEDFORD — Lisa Allen is the Chief Administrative Officer of Great NH Restaurants

Within six months, Lisa Allen progressed from food server to bartender and then assistant manager of T-BONES restaurant in Bedford. Upon graduating from UNH Manchester, she wrote a five-page letter to Great NH Restaurants CEO Tom Boucher about her observations and ideas to grow the business.

That’s how Lisa was offered a starting position in the home office for two hours per week in neighborhood marketing. Within one year, she had earned herself a full-time office position, handling payroll, marketing and assisting the company’s accountant.

These events occurred more than 20 years ago, but they’re illustrative of Lisa’s personal investment in every aspect of the Great NH Restaurants organization, where she now oversees all administrative operations (for up to 600 employees at one time), and has been an owner and member of the executive team for a decade.
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The Union Leader - T-BONES’ first custom-built location coming to Concord - November 2019

CONCORD — After 35 years in business and multiple locations, T-Bones Great American Eatery will open its first custom-built restaurant early next year. T-BONES’ parent company, Great New Hampshire Restaurants, is also gearing up to open a new sports bar concept called Bull & Bear at the former Shorty’s in Bedford in the near future. Read Full Article

The Nashua Telegraph - Company now offering paper straws - July 2019

BEDFORD — Recently, Great NH Restaurants stopped automatically handing out plastic straws and providing them only when guests ask. Searching for a better solution, Bob Sullivan, director of purchasing for Great NH Restaurants, found a paper straw that was a cut above the rest on the market, most of which don’t perform well. Read Full Article

Union Leader - NH Voices - January 2019

NH Voices - Tom Boucher: NH Restaurants Pay It Forward

As 2018 winds down many of us will look back on the year and think about all that has occurred in our own lives, our communities, our country, and our world. With regular emphasis on what’s wrong, and in hopes that you will also be focusing on the good, I thought I’d take this opportunity to focus on what’s good and share what some of New Hampshire’s restaurants have done.

Did you know that 94 percent of restaurants make charitable contributions? Whether to assist with a crisis, boost a community project or start a charitable program of their own (more on this in a bit), America’s restaurants are there to help by contributing food, donating their time, and writing checks. The charitable giving of America’s restaurants adds up to a staggering $3 billion a year. Read Full Article

CJ's Rebranding - November 2018

CJ's Great West Grill celebrates America's vast, regional cuisine! We serve up mouthwatering Texas BBQ, House Specialties like our famous Crispy Haddock Tacos, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes, all-American seafood, Butcher cut steaks and many more unique plates that are sure to please the whole family's palate.

Awards & Recognition

NH Business Review Names Lisa Allen of Great NH Restaurants as a 2021 Outstanding Women in Business Award Recipient

Lisa Allen among six recipients to be honored at 16th annual award ceremony on February 11

Bedford, N.H. – February, 5th, 2021 – Great NH Restaurants is announcing Lisa Allen, CAO has been honored with a 2021 Outstanding Women in Business Award from NH Business Review. The annual awards celebrate the successes and achievements of women who have had a lasting impact on New Hampshire’s business community as leaders and role models. NH Business Review will be holding a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, February 11, to honor this year’s six recipients.

Union Leader - Best Happy Hours - 1yr (2018)

Union Leader - Best Nightlife - 1yr (2016)

Union Leader Readers Have Spoken, Cactus Jack's Hosts Best Happy Hour in New Hampshire

At Cactus Jack's, we don't limit happy hour to just one hour. We choose to celebrate each day with Happy Hours. And 2016 just got even happier! We are proud to be awarded the Union Leader Readers' Choice Award for Best Nightlife - Happy Hour in the state! From draft beer and mixed drink specials to our Jack's Snacks appetizers and tacos, our Happy Hours menu will keep your spirits high and your stomach full.

Happy Hours at Cactus Jack's are Monday thru Thursday from 4pm until Close and All Day Sunday. Plus, our draft beer specials are always on tap during all Boston sports events! Take a peek at our Manchester and Laconia Happy Hours menus and we'll see you when the clock strikes happy!

Best of Hippo Best Ribs - 3yrs (2010, 2011, 2012)

Locals Say Cactus Jack's Serves the Best Ribs in New Hampshire

The Hippo's Best of Awards are a celebration of all things local. We are proud to be awarded with The Hippo's Best Of award for Best Ribs in the state. For the third year in a row, Cactus Jack's is recognized by locals as the number one restaurant for ribs. Come experience our slow-roasted, tender, and juicy BBQ ribs for yourself. As a bonus to already amazing ribs, we serve up a 1 lb. Baby Back Rib Special every Wednesday! Stop by for a try at our Manchester and Laconia locations and remember, Food tastes better with friends.