steve bargdill

Gallivant isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a bold statement about what’s possible when ambition meets community. In a city like Dover, where the dining scene leans heavily on familiar staples, Kristen French has dared to create something entirely different: a globally inspired menu that brings the flavors of her travels to her hometown. From Blistered Shishitos with tahini and charred citrus to Hawaiian Local Moco topped with tempura kimchi, every dish at Gallivant tells a story of creativity and cultural connection. But this isn’t just about food—it’s about investing in the community you love, showing your kids what it means to dream big, and navigating the uphill battle of entrepreneurship.

Opening Gallivant was anything but smooth sailing. Kristen launched her restaurant amidst literal explosions—a Central Avenue electrical fire caused manhole covers to burst and delayed renovations. Even now, Kristen admits she hasn’t yet taken a paycheck, seeing this phase as an investment in a dream she’s building for her family and the Dover community. As other beloved local eateries have shuttered their doors, Gallivant stands as a testament to resilience, vand the belief that Dover’s food culture can grow. Want to know how elephants, floating hotels, and a global pandemic inspired Kristen’s menu? Click here to read the full story.

Flower petals floated downstream as the Cochecho River carried away another piece of Deb Clough’s hard work. After months of stolen plants, shattered planters, and mounting frustration, Deb found herself on the brink of giving up. But instead of walking away, she reached out to Dover High School’s welding class, and together they created something extraordinary: custom brackets that made the planters vandal-proof. The flowers thrived again, and the collaboration became a testament to what a determined community can accomplish. But this was just the beginning of how Deb’s mission would transform Dover—click to read more.