PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Ignite Presque Isle has hired Robert Ottaviano as the food and beverage manager to lead the restaurant, Rodney’s at 436 Main, and events at the Northeastland Hotel.
Ottaviano brings 35 years of experience in the food industry, having worked for Aramark to oversee all food and catering needs at Northern Maine Community College for the past 17 years. He holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Johnson and Wales and has worked throughout New England in restaurants and resorts.
Rob’s experience in catering and food service will be evident in the menu and food and beverage operations, Ignite Presque Isle officials said.
“I have spent years in this community and in food service. I enjoy what I do and making people experience great food and great service. The opportunity to be a part of the history of the Northeastland Hotel and open up a restaurant in the building is so exciting,” Ottaviano said.
“The mix of the energy of Ignite Presque Isle and the history of the Northeastland are a perfect blend and create a vision of what the downtown of the city of Presque Isle can be, so I want to be a part of this, too, and establish a unique dining experience in our community,” he sid.
Ottaviano catered countless weddings, events and local fundraisers while working for Aramark at NMCC.
“Rob will be missed. He is such a great person and really understands our region and food service,” NMCC President Tim Crowley said. “However, I can’t wait to see what he will do at Rodney’s and I can’t wait to have a meal in the new restaurant.”
Rodney’s at 436 Main will be located in the hotel lobby. Ignite Presque Isle began operations and ownership of the property in May 2021 and is ready to begin a major renovation. Rodney’s will be a completely renovated space utilizing all of the former cafe and expanding into a retail space adjacent the cafe.
“I have had the privilege of working with Rob many times. His attention to detail and understanding of food service will be an asset to the new restaurant,” said Jan Lucas, the community manager at Ignite Presque Isle.
Clint Deschene, Ignite Presque Isle’s director of community innovation, said in the coming weeks a complete construction schedule will be available. Ignite Presque Isle anticipates the opening of the restaurant to be the spring of 2022.
In the interim, Deschene said, Ottaviano will set up many events and opportunities for people to come in and try the new menu and offerings before the restaurant officially opens.
