The Common Man, a small chain of roadside convenience stores and restaurants, has been slowly expanding its presence in New Hampshire for the last 50 years.
In December, the retailer celebrated its latest grand opening with a new convenience store in Derry.
Derry joins eight other Common Man Roadside Market & Deli locations in New Hampshire, along with more than 20 restaurants and inns under the same ownership umbrella.
The thread that connects them all is a mantra to “Do Good,” a corporate culture that believes it has an obligation to give back, and a vision to honor vestiges of the Granite State’s past while blending that with modern retail touches.
“We launched Common Man Roadside because travelers deserve fresh, local and fast options that truly represent New Hampshire,” said Brad Pernaw, managing partner of The Common Man Roadside, which debuted its initial convenience store model in 2019.
“Opening Derry is another milestone in our commitment to growing the state’s economy, serving our communities and promoting the many New Hampshire businesses that are part of our story,” Pernaw said. “To have the opportunity to build this brand and grow it in a way that gives back to New Hampshire.”
Strong common denominators
For more than 50 years, The Common Man has been a cornerstone in Granite State communities. Founder Alex Ray, a New Hampshire humanitarian and businessman, made his mark restoring and refurbishing historic structures.
Ray launched The Common Man family of restaurants that preceded the c-stores. In between was a relationship forged with the state of New Hampshire where Common Man serves as the branded retail/hospitality arm for the state’s Hooksett Welcome Centers along Interstate 93.
Welcome centers feature general stores, food courts, Hi-Way Diners, cafes and fueling stations. The public-private relationship began in the spring of 2015.
At the heart of the business model is a foodservice mission offering “Real Food, Real Fast.” Pernaw said the brand has been “very intentional about evolving from a promise into a recognizable experience. We’ve doubled down on signature items that guests can’t find anywhere else—things like our made-to-order sandwiches and bowls, buy one-get-one breakfast sandwiches, house-made chips and more.”
The Derry location features similar signatures at existing units that start with open kitchens to prepare those MTO meals, fresh pastries, New Hampshire-made goods, grab-and-go displays packed with sandwiches, salads, drinks, coffee bar, beer cave, seating for dining and a fireplace in each location.
In 2026, more expansion is on way as Common Man Roadside expands to Concord, New Hampshire. Common Man Roadside Markets are currently located in Plymouth, Manchester, Epsom and Portsmouth, as well as a Common Man Roadside Restaurant and Cafe at the Tru Hotel by Hilton in Manchester.
Read ahead for a recent conversation with Common Man Roadside managing partner Brad Pernaw:
Q: How has the “Real Food, Real Fast” menu evolved to include more signature items?
A: What’s changed most is the level of craft and consistency. We’ve refined recipes, invested in better equipment and worked closely with New Hampshire partners and suppliers to elevate quality without slowing guests down. The goal has been to create destination-worthy food in a roadside format—food you’d go out of your way for, not just grab because it’s convenient. Every new location gives us an opportunity to test, refine, and introduce new signature items while staying true to our roots: real ingredients, prepared fresh, served fast.
Q: How do the stores differentiate themselves in local market from a competitive standpoint?
A: We’re not trying to be a traditional convenience store, and we’re not trying to be a full-service restaurant—we’re intentionally creating something in between. Our differentiation comes from fresh, made-to-order food, a strong sense of place, and signature items guests associate specifically with us. Add to that a welcoming environment, local products, craft beverages and consistent execution … and it becomes a destination rather than a stop-of-necessity. In a competitive market, authenticity matters. Guests can feel the difference when food is prepared fresh, when staff care, and when the brand has a clear point of view. That’s what keeps people coming back.
Q: What’s your management team’s approach to finding and retaining solid workers?
A: Our focus is on building a culture where employees feel respected, supported, and proud of what they’re part of. That means competitive pay, clear paths for advancement, hands-on training and leaders who are present and engaged. Many of our managers and team members have grown with us over time, which says a lot about the culture we’re trying to create. We also invest heavily in onboarding and recognition because retention isn’t about one thing: consistency, communication and showing people how they matter.
Q: After the Derry and soon-to-open Concord stores debut, what is the plan for the brand to keep expanding across the state and beyond New Hampshire state lines?
A: Our first priority is expanding responsibly within the state—particularly in high-traffic corridors and communities where we can truly add value. That said, the Roadside model has proven to be highly scalable. We’re building systems, training and supply partnerships that allow us to replicate the experience without losing what makes it special. As those foundations strengthen, we do see opportunities beyond New Hampshire, especially in neighboring New England states that value local food, regional brands and authentic experiences. Expansion, whether in-state or out-of-state, needs to feel local, needs to support the community and needs to deliver on ‘Real Food, Real Fast.’ Growth for us isn’t about speed, but about doing it the right way.
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