Posts Categorized: Restaurant

Sip House – Freeport

Delicious treats and beverages on a mosaic tabletop at Sip House in Freeport

In the spring of 2023, Tammy Nonni took the bold step of becoming a business owner by acquiring a cafe in downtown Freeport. Over the next few months, she undertook numerous renovations and changes, culminating in the re-launch of the establishment as Sip House. Tammy envisioned the cafe and smoothie shop as a welcoming and… Read more »

Brick House Kitchen – Skowhegan

Outside of Brick House Kitchen in Skowhegan, brick building and business sign with lush greenery on a bright sunny day

Beth Terstegen has co-owned Brick House Kitchen since she and a friend purchased the business in 2019 with the help of the SBDC. Located in the heart of downtown Skowhegan, Brick House Kitchen is a popular lunch spot serving unique deli-style sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

Great Wave Sushi – Portland

White food truck with man inside smiling, Great Wave Sushi food struck with flowers

Seeing young entrepreneurs launch a new business and develop roots in their community is one of the most satisfying outcomes for the Maine SBDC.  It’s even more exciting to help them scale up, grow and succeed. For Alex and Megan Herzog, starting Great Wave Sushi is the perfect example of how a new business with… Read more »

The Frappe Shoppe – Brunswick

The Frappe Shoppe sign

Jamie Alexander fondly remembers working at the Brunswick drive-in restaurant, which her grandparents started in the 1950s. The restaurant was a staple in the community and Jamie began working there as a young teen, making milkshakes, frappes, and other drive-in favorites.  It has been her dream for a decade to bring that experience to downtown… Read more »

Sculpture Hospitality of Maine – Portland

Sculpture Hospitality of Maine logo, grey alcohol bottle silhouettes With teal and orange font reading 'Every Ounce' under a orange silhouette of the state of Maine

Phillip Badger has 17 years of experience in the bar/restaurant industry, working his way through each front-of-house position. And though he loves the bar/restaurant world, he’s not a big fan of the late hours so he’s spent the last few years consulting. Having set down roots in Southern Maine he’s ready to share his expertise… Read more »

Peace, Love, Waffles – Dover-Foxcroft

Breakfast table covered in sweet and savory waffles at a Maine Small Business, photo by Sienna Renee Photography

Michael Begley was the 5th generation to work at the restaurant his father’s family owned and operated. So when his mother pitched the idea of a waffle-themed restaurant, he knew it would be worth moving to Maine to help with! In the fall of 2019, they got started in their first location. However, COVID quickly… Read more »

King Eider’s Pub – Damariscotta

King Eider's Pub front sign

Scott McArdle & Damon Waltz have been close friends and co-workers in the food industry for years. They’ve been building up experience in different positions at a variety of locations, but have been long-time employees at King Eider’s Pub in Damariscotta. They truly knew the restaurant industry inside & out, co-managing & growing together –… Read more »

Networking For People Who Hate It

Some of the best parts of networking are meeting people from all backgrounds, building your business, finding new clients, and getting your name out there, but it can also be an uncomfortable experience. If you’re an introvert, networking may be one of your least favorite activities. So here are some tips and tricks to make… Read more »

The Osprey – Georgetown

Group Photo of The Osprey Resturant, two white men and two white women with their arms around each other inside a restaurant doorway.

The pandemic created an opportunity for Sarah (Armstrong) Kecskemethy, Zoli Kecskemethy, Tessa Boepple, and Dylan Boepple to come together to form the Four Cuckoo Birds, Inc. These two couples, who share vast experience in the food industry and a passion for food & community, were eager to get their dream business going and use their… Read more »

CIA Cafe – Saco

Photo of the dining room at CIA Cafe, wooden tables and chairs and windows letting in natural light on the neutral walls and floor.

In early 2022, Jamie Bissonnette and his business partner Duncan Taylor were presented with the opportunity to purchase CIA Cafe (pronounced see-ya), a successful coffee, sandwich and art shop located in Saco. With tons of food and beverage business management experience, Jamie decided it was time to take a chance and step out on his… Read more »