Staff Writer
Jeff Doucette, no stranger to the restaurant business, finally saw the opportunity to open his own.
When Jeff’s Family Restaurant opened last week, on South Main Street in Caribou, the young entrepreneur saw one of his life’s goals come into being.
Contributed photo
Jeff’s Family Restaurant located on South Main Street in Caribou, celebrated its grand opening Thursday, May 29. Participating in the business opening were from left: Jeannie McLaughlin, CCC&I; Dean Levassuer, Jenny Coon, CCC&I; Jeff Doucette, owner of the new restaurant; Breanna Jones, Ashley Theriault, Heather Pelletier, Kevin Huston, CCC&I; Ken Murchison, Caribou City Council; Troy Heald, CCC&I; and Sam Collins.
Doucette worked at the popular Yusef’s Restaurant in the 1980s, at Southside Restaurant and at the Freedom Range Restaurant of Portland, during the 1990s and most recently at Rosella’s Restaurant in Presque Isle.
After spending so many years working for others in a variety of restaurant businesses, “I always asked, why can’t I do this myself,” he said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do, to run my own”, he added.
Doucette said that when he saw the possibility of opening his own business at the site of what was, for many years, Ken’s Chicken Coop, and not too long ago, Anthony’s, he approached Sam Collins, building owner. “If it weren’t for Sam, “ Doucette stated, “I wouldn’t be here.”
The new dining option in Caribou offers a full menu which includes flame-broiled steaks, seafood dishes, pasta entrees, great rice and a seafood stuffing, noting just a few items on the large menu. Jeff’s Family Restaurant also features, ‘Unique Tasty Pizzas’. All selections on the wide variety menu are available for takeout also.
Doucette said, “I had just a soft opening, but it went really very well, we were busy and I plan to have a grand opening sometime down the road. Right now I’m concentrating on providing good, quality food, good service and consistency in both areas.”
Restaurant hours are : Tuesday — Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. ; Sunday and Mondays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.; with dinner available from 3:30 until close.
To order takeout from Jeff’s Family Restaurant, call: 498-3047.
