"I'm pleased that you have taken a moment to visit our Web site. I'd also be honored to have you visit C.R. Sparks or The Event Center. Whether you visit us for lunch, dinner, or special functions, we hope you will experience our vision of the ultimate in dining - a sophisticated setting, impeccable service, and exquisite food - a place where any occasion will be a memorable experience. Life's too short to eat boring food! See you at C.R. Sparks!"

Though it's hard today to imagine the greater Manchester area without C.R. Sparks, it wasn't that long ago that the area's trendiest restaurant was just a "spark" in the mind of its creator...

In 1994, the former Diamond Lumber building at 18 Kilton Road was purchased and designed to be home for the company's corporate offices, the upscale restaurant and bar, C.R. Sparks, and The Event Center.

Renowned restaurant designer Peter Niemitz of Niemitz Design Group, Inc., of Boston was instrumental in creating the unique look of C.R. Sparks. The restaurant interior features warm woods, brick, Italian slate and art and artifacts from New England and around the world, with comfortable booths, tables and a beautiful bar. The two-tiered, mezzanine seating arrangement gives the spacious dining room a multi-dimensional feeling.

An open-concept and exhibition-style kitchen is the centerpiece of the entire restaurant. From behind the marble counter, a battalion of master chefs can be seen, busily creating their lunch and dinner specialties while an audience of expectant diners looks on.

Rolecek calls the C.R. Sparks' menu "eclectic American," and describes the overall atmosphere as "casual gourmet." "We take traditional favorites...steaks, fish, chicken, pasta and vegetables...and add a creative, gourmet twist. Our rotisserie cooked meats, flame grilled specialties (with gigantic portions) and brick oven pizzas have quickly captured the attention of area diners. We serve creative, gourmet food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Our waitstaff encourages each diner to sit back, get comfortable, and savor every part of the Sparks' dining experience."

Soon after the establishment of the restaurant, the Kilton Road location expanded to include The Event Center at C.R. Sparks, which opened in May of 1997, and has quickly become one of the finest function facilities in New Hampshire.

The Premier Companies facilities have grown to become almost an institution in the southern New Hampshire business community, playing host to hundreds of corporate and social events every year, and serving and entertaining countless patrons in the restaurant and club. In a time when more restaurants are simply part of gigantic corporate chains, this locally-owned operation is even more unique as time goes by, and is a testament to its owner's vision and dedication.

Rolecek is justifiably proud of what he has accomplished. "We are proud that our elegant facility and our team of professionals have made C.R. Sparks and The Event Center the choice for so many exciting events! We've hosted visits from national political candidates as well as a live MSNBC television show! We've served everyone from rock stars to our local friends and neighbors, for the most important occasions of their lives. That is what the hospitality business is all about. And that is what makes it all so exciting, inviting and rewarding!"