By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
When she was younger, Maria Easter was always baking or eager to prepare breakfast, in recent years she has often been asked to make special occasion cakes for family members and has created wedding cakes. On September 29, she opened her own restaurant, Marijo’s Cafe, located on South Main Street in Caribou.
Contributed photo
Marijo’s Cafe, on South Main Street in Caribou recently celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony, provided by the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Participating in the opening celebration were, from left, in front: Anna Hoxie, employee; Maria Easter, owner; Erik McAnelly and Judy Brown, employees. In back are Ken Murchison, Caribou mayor; Jeannie McLaughlin, CCC&I; Greg Easter, owner with daughter Arianna; Kendall Wilcox and Rhonda Jordan, employees. Standing in front of the banner are Shelby and Jolena Easter.
“My husband Greg and I have wanted to have our own place for a long time,” said Easter, who has been involved with the food service for the past 18 years, including working in the bakery at Shop ‘n’ Save and Tim Hortons in both Presque Isle and Caribou. Greg Easter, who is employed at S. W. Collins, Co., was also involved in the restaurant business as kitchen manager at Ruby Tuesday’s in Presque Isle.
“I’ve had tremendous support from my family,” said Easter, “my dad, Carrol Gustafson did most of the carpentry work, while Greg and our employees worked getting the basement in order.”
Marijo’s Cafe is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers breakfast all day long. Featuring a full menu offering everything from breakfast sandwiches, home-made waffles, omelets, breakfast bowls and burritos to egg ratatouille. If you come for lunch the choices are many, including soups, chowders, stews, chili, a daily special, salads, deli creations and burgers to an ATL (avocado, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. These menu items are only a few of the entrees available not to mention the side dishes and a children’s menu highlighted by mini burgers, hot dogs, and grilled ham and cheese.
Also offered at Marijo’s Cafe an array of fresh bakery items, including scones and some of the largest home-made cinnamon rolls north of famous Dysart’s in Bangor.
Another special menu item featured at Caribou’s newest restaurant is Italian soda — a mixture of club soda, cream and your favorite flavor. For the coffee lovers — Marijo’s will serve you up a cup of Wicked Joe, an organic, made in Maine, fair trade coffee. Diners can also enjoy a cup of expresso to help them get motivated to finish all their holiday shopping.
Easter stated she also offers full menu catering, party trays (veggies, sandwiches and goodies) and reservations can be made for special events and dinners to be held at the restaurant. “We also make ‘real Italian’ sandwiches, not ‘Maine Italians.’ If there is something not listed on our menu, we’re more than willing to try to make anything.”
The name of the establishment was derived from Easter’s first name, Maria and her three daughters, Arianna, 5, Jolena, 3, and Shelby age 1.
Wait and kitchen staff include: Erik McAnelly, chef; Rhonda Jordan, baker/chef; Judy Brown, Anna Hoxie and Kendall Wilcox, wait-staff.
Take out orders are also available. For more information check out Marijo’s Cafe on Face Book or call 493-1555.
