Fold'd opens for breakfast and lunch with a side order of hope in Somersworth, NH

Karen Dandurant, Foster's Daily Democrat
·4 min read

SOMERSWORTH — The Hilltop City has a new place to go for breakfast and lunch, Fold'd, a special place with a special mission - and great food.

Fold'd is a recovery-friendly workplace, a new social venture of SOS Recovery Community Organization. John Burns, executive director of SOS, hopes Fold'd is just the beginning.

"As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely a lot on grants to fund our recovery programs," said Burns. "My hope is that we can build on the success of Fold'd to have it serve as the first of other social ventures we can get involved with. My goal is to eventually be self-funded.

Emmett Soldati, left, and John Burns collaborated to open Fold'd Community Diner in Somersworth. Fold’d is a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant providing community and a second chance.
Emmett Soldati, left, and John Burns collaborated to open Fold'd Community Diner in Somersworth. Fold’d is a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant providing community and a second chance.

Fold'd, located at 69 High Street in downtown Somersworth, will be open six days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Mondays. The name Fold'd plays off of some of the establishment's specialties, folded delicacies like crepes and omelets. Breakfast is available all day, or people are invited to try some of the lunch items, like sandwiches, salads and "smash burgers."

Fold'd is a 60-seat restaurant and includes a more private 20-seat room that can be used for special events. Depending on whether staff is full or part-time, Burns said they expect to have about a dozen employees. There is a small stage and Wi-Fi. Burns said they aren't ready yet, but they plan to offer some entertainment down the road.

"The concept of a recovery-friendly workplace has been something we have long supported and thought of as something we might be able to do," said Burns. "We worked with several agencies, including Granite United Way, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Kennebunk Savings. They worked with us, but more importantly, they believed in us. We got some ARPA funds and other capital that helped us get our doors open."

Everyone deserves a second chance, said Burns. That's what Fold'd represents.

"A safe, stable workplace is important for a person in recovery, or who comes to us having been incarcerated and that's what we intend to provide," said Burns. "We will be alcohol-free, of course, and we really want to support the community. Not everyone who works here needs to be in recovery, but I suspect many will be. We welcome quality staff from wherever they come from."

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'We can help make a difference'

Diyahna Lariviere of Dover has been hired as head of the kitchen. She got the job and then learned about the Fold'd mission.

"I got the job after answering a posting," she said. "I have 13 years' experience in the restaurant business. They told me their mission, and I absolutely love that we are doing this. It makes this place even more special."

Diyahna Lariviere, head of kitchen at Fold'd.
Diyahna Lariviere, head of kitchen at Fold'd.

Lariviere said a restaurant is not often considered a good place for a person in recovery because of the temptations of alcohol and other substances.

"As a brunch place, there is no bar," she said. "It's perfect. I think the road to recovery starts with mental health. When people recognize this, as we grasp it, our approach will get better. I think there will be less potholes and more sunny afternoon drives. I think we can help make a difference."

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Teatotaller founder lends a helping hand

Somersworth area residents will recognize the 69 High Street location as that of the former Teatotaller. Owner Emmett Soldati is very much involved in Fold'd.

"I sold the space and the equipment," said Soldati. "I agreed to stay on and help them get started."

Fold'd Community Diner is owned and operated by SOS Recovery Community Organization which employs a team of five to 10 people in recovery for substance use and those who were previously incarcerated, according to SOS director John Burns at right. Wait staff is Evelin Feliz, left, and Bridget Baum.
Fold'd Community Diner is owned and operated by SOS Recovery Community Organization which employs a team of five to 10 people in recovery for substance use and those who were previously incarcerated, according to SOS director John Burns at right. Wait staff is Evelin Feliz, left, and Bridget Baum.

Burns said Soldati is being humble about his contributions to the launch.

"Emmett has put on thousands of hours helping us get going," he said. "He is going to stay to help train our staff. We are grateful for him."

All Fold'd profits go to SOS Recovery

Burns said after operating costs, all profits from Fold'd will go back into SOS. Any future ventures will operate on the same principle.

"My primary goal is not revenue," said Burns. "First, I want to build a great recovery workforce, good for us, good for them. Then I want this to result in fostering a positive face on recovery, helping to eliminate the stigma. Finally, yes, revenue that we can use to become self-supporting."

Evelin Feliz, left, and Bridget Baum take care of customers at the newly opened Fold'd Community Diner in Somersworth.
Evelin Feliz, left, and Bridget Baum take care of customers at the newly opened Fold'd Community Diner in Somersworth.

Burns said the Somersworth community has been very supportive.

"We support people in recovery, the LGBTQ community, and we also want to be a positive force in the city," said Burns. "We want to be the breakfast and lunch spot. I lived in Somersworth for 18 years and always wanted a good breakfast spot. I don't live here now, but I am bringing that to the city. I want everyone to feel welcome here."

Burns said he has a really good feeling about Fold'd.

"This has been an exciting journey and sometimes terrifying," he said. "Our doors are open now, so I invite the community to come and check us out for themselves. I think they will like it here."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Fold'd: Serving recovery-friendly breakfast, lunch in Somersworth NH