Place for Restaurant/Pub? (Portland, Brunswick: home, income, taxes)

[Bobb]

Hello every one, we live in NC and I am not sure if it is the right state for us.
A few years back we been to Maine, to Pemaquid (??) Point ,sorry if the spelling is wrong, and we loved it very much up there!! I would like to move up to Maine in a few years or so. What small city, close to the coast would you recommend? I like a city with a center and small shops and a market, where I could open a European Style Restaurant/ Pub, German ?...What do you think ? Thank you!!

[bhanson]

Bobb:

Having been in the restaurant hospitality industry myself for almost 15 years I thought I would throw my thoughts into the fray.

Like most of the country, the Maine restaurant industry suffers from a higher than normal failure rate. This is due to several factors including substantial competition, seasonality, lack of business acumen and inadequate capitalization. While Portland now has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in the country excluding San Fransisco, businesses still see a high failure rate. Over the past decade, consumer spending has shifted towards chain brands located in convenient shopping districts and away from locally owned eateries.

Depending on your lifestyle requirements, I would always recommend Portland first to any potential restauranteur. It's unique blend of demographics and location give restaurants a leg up over other towns in Maine, and there is a strong dining tradition coupled with nationally recognized food excellence.

A second option would along the southern Maine coast: Belfast, Rockland, Bath, Brunswick, Freeport and south. Most of these towns offer varying degrees of seasonality and income but all have historic town centers. Generally, the further south you go, the higher the income bracket and the higher the rent.

But again, my first thought would be Portland. There will be substantial business turnover in the coming year(whole other story) and perhaps some opportunities. Feel free to email me if you want to talk further!

There is one location in Maine that I know:

Richard's Restaurant and Edelweiss Lounge with German-American cuisine in Brunswick, Maine

Brian

[forest beekeeper]

A German pub / restaurant would be GREAT!

Alas he is right, more folks with cash in their pockets are found near Portland.

Tourism expands the clientele, to give you a seasonal boost.

And a wider ethnicity which would give you a greater market-share of folks who may already be familiar with your fare.

sigh. stay down in Northern Mass. Higher taxes for sure, higher land prices, but a seasonal population influx, and more customers would likely make that a wiser choice.

[Zymer]

I've been thinking of something along the lines of an old-style pub/tavern, maybe with a Celtic flair. A PRIVATE establishment where the patrons/members can smoke, directed at soliciting smokers, where non-smokers are persona non grata if they have any objection to it.

There must be others like me who have reduced or eliminated our patronage of restaurants and bars because of anti-smoking regulations, and who would like to have a place to go out to.

[FLtoMaine]

That's part of our challenge finding the right town for us. We want some acreage, away from the commercialized cities, but enough of a town that would support a local pub/tavern. We've been to Germany many times and we love the local taverns - so friendly. Many of those towns are quite small -under 3000 residents - but the taverns manage to make it. I hope you are able to do this, keep us posted - if we end up near you, you have our business!

[arzachena]

Waldoboro Maine was settled by a colony of Germans in 1742. It's a nice small town with many German descendants like myself who would love a German pub.

[Elcarim]

And fish and chips!

[msina]

my husband was stationed in Germany many moons ago for part of his time in the service. he loved it, the people and the food (hehehe).

[dmyankee]

How do you make a little money in Maine?

COME UP HERE WITH A LOT!

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Zymer

I've been thinking of something along the lines of an old-style pub/tavern, maybe with a Celtic flair. A PRIVATE establishment where the patrons/members can smoke, directed at soliciting smokers, where non-smokers are persona non grata if they have any objection to it.

There must be others like me who have reduced or eliminated our patronage of restaurants and bars because of anti-smoking regulations, and who would like to have a place to go out to.

I can see that.

This evening I just got home again from spending a few hours at a private bar where smoking is allowed.