Nick Coffin and a team of seasoned industry veterans opened Cuties in Portland’s Old Port to fill a gap they saw in the local hospitality scene. Cuties is an all-day bar where guests can sip coffee, cocktails, or natural wine from 9 a.m. to midnight. With its seamless transition from laptop-friendly mornings to lively evenings, Cuties has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
The idea stemmed from their desire to create a dynamic and welcoming hub for the community. Nick and his partners—Bryce Summers, Garrett Lenderman, Ryan Nielsen, and Arvid Brown—brought more than 50 years of combined restaurant experience to the venture. Nick and Arvid also co-own Room for Improvement, a cocktail bar launched with similar community spirit and entrepreneurial drive.
When it came time to launch Cuties, Nick turned to the Maine SBDC for guidance. Business Advisor Christina Oddleifson supported the team through financial planning, business projections, and the SBA loan application process. Her guidance was instrumental in preparing the documentation and models required for a successful loan application. “Christina has been an amazing resource throughout the entire process, especially in helping obtain our SBA loan which requires an immense amount of time and energy,” Nick shared. “Additionally, Christina has a wealth of experience in this industry, and we spent a lot of time talking through projections.”
Both Cuties and Room for Improvement received SBA loans through Bangor Savings Bank, whose local support was vital to bringing these community-minded ventures to life. Nick expressed deep appreciation for the bank’s role in supporting their vision, particularly during the critical early stages of funding.
With strong backing and expert guidance, Cuties has launched successfully and is already looking to the future. The team plans to deepen community ties through off-season collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits, much like their work with Room for Improvement. For others pursuing similar goals, Nick strongly recommends reaching out to the Maine SBDC. “It’s an absolute must,” he said. “What an amazing free resource for Mainer business owners!”
