Trailblazing Taste
Fresh Tracks Sandwich Shop Serves Up Creativity in the White Mountains
When Kate Mathews opened Fresh Tracks Sandwich Shop in Lincoln, she saw an opportunity to offer something the area was missing. After returning to New Hampshire from Portland, Maine, she wanted to bring fresh flavors and a welcoming gathering place to the White Mountains. With guidance from NH SBDC advisor Ashley Warwick, and support from the Grafton Regional Development Corporation (GRDC), Kate has built a thriving sandwich shop that attracts a steady stream of locals and visitors looking for creative food and a unique atmosphere.
Bringing Big Flavor Home
Kate's inspiration was shaped by her years in Portland, Maine, where she managed a lobster roll food truck and experienced a vibrant culinary scene filled with creativity and innovation. When she returned home to New Hampshire, she quickly realized something was missing.
"Everywhere had similar menus with safe choices," Kate said. "I wanted to build something cool for the community, something different, something for my generation."
That vision became Fresh Tracks, a sandwich shop that blends adventurous flavors with mountain culture. The menu features playful twists on familiar favorites, including the Maui Wowie turkey sandwich topped with chipotle mayo and mango salsa, and a French Dip inspired by the rich flavors of French onion soup.
Turning a Vision Into a Business
Although Kate had years of restaurant experience, launching a business from the ground up came with an entirely new set of challenges. Navigating permits, financial projections, licensing requirements, and business planning felt overwhelming until a friend suggested she connect with the NH SBDC.
Kate's journey also benefited from the support of the Grafton Regional Development Corporation (GRDC), which referred her to NH SBDC and provided financing that helped bring Fresh Tracks to life. Working alongside the GRDC loan team and NH SBDC, Kate developed the financial projections and business plan that helped secure the funding needed to open her doors.
Later, she partnered with North and Central Region advisor Ashley Warwick, who has continued helping her strengthen operations, refine marketing strategies, and build a foundation for long-term growth.
"They helped me figure out what to do first, what to do next, and who to talk to," Kate said. "Knowing I had the SBDC in my corner who believed in me was priceless."
Kate still refers to those original financial projections to measure her progress and says Fresh Tracks has already exceeded many of her early expectations.
More Than a Sandwich Shop
Fresh Tracks has become much more than a place to grab lunch. From the music and artwork to the snowboard-inspired décor,
every detail reflects Kate's personality and her love of the White Mountains.
Customers notice the difference.
"People come in and say, 'Hey, I love this song,' or 'You have the X Games on TV. That's so cool,'" Kate said.
The shop has become a gathering place for locals, first responders, tradespeople, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. Kate also makes it a priority to give back by supporting school fundraisers, local ski programs, and hosting pop-up events at the Kanc Rec ski hill.
Growing With Purpose
As the business continues to grow, Ashley Warwick remains a trusted resource. Together, she and Kate are focused on strengthening the business from the inside out by developing standard operating procedures, improving staff training, holding regular team meetings, and expanding marketing beyond social media. They are also exploring new ways to increase evening business while maintaining the welcoming experience that has made Fresh Tracks such a success.
"I had someone there to help me every step of the way," Kate said.
