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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A long-standing fixture in downtown Keene’s bar scene will close its doors for good this weekend. The Nuche Tavern, located on Marlboro and Adams Streets, will serve its final drinks on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a business that has been a community staple for decades.
The bar’s current owner, Josh Bezio, could not be reached for comment but announced the closure in a heartfelt statement, citing “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for the decision. “With heavy hearts, we share that due to unforeseen circumstances, Nuche will be closing its doors. Our final day open will be this Saturday,” Bezio wrote.
Originally opened in 1951 by the family of Timoleon “Lindy” Chakalos (founder of both Lindy’s Diner and Timoleon’s Restaurant in downtown Keene) as the Marlboro Street Restaurant, the tavern has undergone multiple transformations over the years. In 1968, it was purchased by David Nielsen, a local mail carrier. Later, in 1990, Todd Tousley took over the establishment and renamed it Penuche’s Ale House, a nod he said to Nielsen’s nickname for his love of penuche fudge that became the restaurant’s informal name (Penuche’s). Tousley owns two bars that still bear that name, one in Concord and another in Nashua.
Tousley, who ran the bar for an impressive 29 years—making him its longest-tenured owner—remembers Penuche’s (affectionately known as “The ‘Nuche”) as one of the only bars in Keene during his tenure. To date, Tousley said, it is home to the oldest continually-operated health/food service/alcohol license in Keene.
It became a popular destination for Keene State College students, often drawing large weekend crowds and long lines. Regulars may remember Tousley himself working behind the bar, pouring beers (he added a license to serve liquor in 2000) and chatting with patrons.
Under its current name, the Nuche Tavern continued that legacy, offering a space where generations of locals and students gathered to unwind, celebrate, and connect.
“To everyone who’s danced, laughed, celebrated, and shared a drink with us, thank you for being a part of our story,” the closing statement read. “We’d love to see as many familiar faces as possible before we say goodbye.”
Bezio also expressed special gratitude to the bar’s loyal customer base. “A heartfelt thank you to the KSC students, our amazing regulars, and everyone who’s stopped in along the way. You’ve truly brightened our days, every single day.”
The tavern invites the community to come together one last time: Isaac will be behind the bar Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Eggy will take the final shift Saturday from noon to 1 a.m.