
A Family Business
The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille is a place where the traveler, old-timer, newcomer and the seasonal resident alike, often stop for a cold draft from the micro-brewery or a more leisurely meal in the dining room. With boasting views of Mt. Kearsarge and convenient location off Interstate 89, The Flying Goose attracts families from all over. Our location has been somewhat of a landmark in New London, a true New England gem.
Current owner, Tom Mills, has owned and operated The Flying Goose since its start in 1993. In 1996, he gave what was known originally as The Four Corners Grille a unique identity by creating a micro-brewery. Mills put his heart and soul into rebuilding what is now The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille, a casual, family friendly restaurant now managed by two of his kids, Brianna and Brett.
The Mills’ three children were raised in the business, learning to work hard at a young age and understanding the value of a dollar. “I can remember filling sugars when I was 8, and hiding beneath the server station to sneak a sugar cube or two in my mouth!” recounts Brianna. All three children dedicated many summers to working hard and beginning to understand the dedication it took to create a successful business. “I look back on all the changes we have seen and where we have come, it is an amazing business to be a part of,” said Brett. “We were never asked to work for the restaurant, it is an honor to be a part of,” said Brianna.
Mills is still very much a part of the picture these days, splitting his time between his first restaurant, The Millstone, and The Flying Goose. “Most people know how hard it is to have four guests over for dinner. Try entertaining 100 people twice a day in a pleasant, efficient, safe environment,” Mills has said. “Other professions can get away with a lot more as far as timelines. We are not given much leeway, and expectations are high.”
Family doesn’t end within the Mills bloodline; many different people have contributed to The Flying Goose growing into a more successful restaurant. In order to have a successful operating business, we have to find the right people who can help us achieve our goals. We have many employees who have seen us through ups and downs, management changes, construction… the list goes on. “It was almost like coming home to work after I graduated from UNH,” said Brianna, “Some of the staff have known me since grade school; they have watched me grow up and have been a part of our family from the very beginning.”
The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille is a place you can come where you will feel at home. Whether it be a familiar face that you can expect to greet you or your server remembering your favorite drink to have with dinner, this restaurant is an extension of our home, we welcome you to join us!