The Human Rights Campaign announced awardees of its fifth annual “Queer to Stay” program last month, naming a New Hampshire-based food business as one of its recipients.
Teatotaller Cafe, with locations in Concord and Dover, was named one of the recipients on Dec. 17, 2024.
Originally opened in 2011, Teatollater regularly hosts LGBTQ+ centered events—from Drag Story Hour to info sessions on anti-trans legislation—and has been described as one of New Hampshire’s most visible queer establishments.
“Visibility and community is everything. If you can’t see folks walking your path, or meet others with shared experiences, you might think it doesn’t exist,” said Emmett Soldati, owner of Teatotaller Cafe.
Teotaller received $10,000, and was one of 30 who got funding. The grant will distribute awards worth almost $1 million to small businesses across 19 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Launched in 2020, the initiative provides funding to LGBTQ+ businesses to help address economic difficulties in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic.
“LGBTQ+ people deserve welcoming, safe spaces that are owned and run by us,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson in a news release.
Soldati will use the money to update his brand and increase its offerings.
Apart from running a successful business, Soldati is a staunch advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and a community activist. Soldati was a Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s Executive Council from District 1—that includes parts of Carroll, Coos, Grafton Belknap and Strafford counties—in the most recent elections.
“Being an LGBTQ+ business owner has allowed me the freedom to express and create the kind of places I think New Hampshire needs and wants — and our success has reflected back that our community stands with us,” Soldati said.
