by Ronald Trahan
Portsmouth’s Innkeeping, Restauranting, and Entrepreneuring Couple
Jumpin’ Jays, Ore Nell’s BBQ, and The Sailmaker’s House are some of the well-known local brands the McSharrys own and operate
LOCALLY FOCUSED “We love living in Portsmouth,” says Jay, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire (1990). “In the summer Amanda and I and our two sons will ride through Prescott Park to Ore Nell’s from our home and go right by the gundalow Piscataqua. Our oldest son Finn will be six in July, and he’s really looking forward to going to the Gundalow’s summer camp and being part of the Seals group for five- and six-year-olds.”
THE INNKEEPER Amanda (Colby) McSharry, who earned an MBA degree in accounting and finance from the University of New Hampshire in 2008, manages the three McSharry lodgings, including Portsmouth properties The Sailmaker’s House and Hotel Thaxter; and Kittery, Maine, property Water Street Inn. Amanda managed the renovation and rebranding of The Sailmaker’s House, previously the Inn at Strawbery Banke, a 10-bedroom circa-1800 Greek Revival building. She is currently managing renovation and rebranding of Hotel Thaxter, scheduled for a Summer 2022 opening. The Water Street Inn is “a unique waterfront retreat” and a short walk over the Memorial Bridge from Kittery to downtown Portsmouth.
THE RESTAURATEUR Jay, who has been a restaurateur for 22 years, manages the McSharrys’ 12 restaurants, which include Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, Luigi’s West End Pizzeria, Dos Amigos Burritos, Moxy, White Heron Tea & Coffee, Vida Cantina, The Franklin, Liars Bench Beer Company, Ore Nells BBQ, Street (Portsmouth), Street (Exeter), and The Railpenny Tavern. “I was about 14 when I started bussing tables where my sister worked,” says Jay. “I love the ‘team environment’ and the fast pace.” He is known for his ability to spot chefs with talent and then help them succeed as business owners. “I have always believed you can have a great restaurant scene anywhere. You don’t need to be in a major metropolitan area. Portsmouth is a great example of a fabulous restaurant scene.”
WHY THE McSHARRYS SUPPORT THE GUNDALOW COMPANY Jay McSharry was one of the original donors to Gundalow Company when founder Molly Bolster started the nonprofit organization. “Molly just crushed it,” recalls Jay. “Today Gundalow’s programs, such as their summer camps, have a well-deserved outstanding reputation. Kids come home happy and exhausted, and that’s just what every parent wants.”
