Editor’s note: The following is the first of two articles highlighting some of the top business stories in the Caribou area from 2023. This article compiled by Melissa Lizotte highlights events from January to June. The second installment will be published soon.
January
As electric vehicles became more popular nationwide, the lack of charging stations in Aroostook hindered their growth in northern Maine. While Maine has 389 stations, The County only has 10 charging stations and 17 individual plug-ins, according to Efficiency Maine.
After several delays, eager residents finally saw the opening of Evergreen Lanes and Rendezvous Restaurant in Caribou. Located at 60 Access Highway, the entertainment venue resurrects the popular 10-pin bowling alley and restaurant, both of which existed on the former Loring Air Force Base.
Kristen Henry became the new director of workforce development for Loring Job Corps. Henry began overseeing the center’s career readiness and career transitions programs, which help Job Corps students seek long-term employment.
Minimal snowfall left Aroostook County struggling to attract snowmobile enthusiasts after the holidays. As of Jan. 10, none of the local trails were being groomed, while business owners and groomers countywide saw few people traveling up for rides.
February
Three new businesses – Ruska Coffee Co., DiOddo’s Pizzeria and Memere Rae’s Designs – opened in downtown Caribou, much to the delight of residents and city leaders.
Connor resident Autumn Labreck continued expanding her home-based business Lovely Loaves. A self-taught baker, Labreck has seen her homemade breads, doughnuts, bagels and other foods grow in popularity since she began attending farmers markets in 2022.
Leo & Sons Citgo celebrated 50 years of doing business in Caribou. Leo and Jeanette St. Peter took over the Citgo filling station and repair shop in 1973. Their sons Dale and Scott joined the family business in 2003.
Green 4 Maine LLC acquired approximately 450 acres at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. Per an agreement with the Loring Development Authority, Green 4 Maine will need to create at least 75 new full-time jobs in order to acquire more land for its development plans.
March
After seeing the Sweden Street region of downtown start to grow, many Caribou residents agreed that a greater variety of retail stores could revive the region even more. More clothing stores, specialty shops and gathering places could attract and retain local shoppers, they said.
Jeff Irving of Caribou was one of two Aroostook farmers named to the National Potato Promotion Board. Irving is a sixth-generation potato farmer and president of Irving Farms in Caribou.
The owners of Canterbury Royale in Fort Fairfield expanded their fine-dining experience to include a new bed and breakfast. Chefs Barbara Boucher and Renee O’Neill opened Canterbury Royale in 2008. Since opening their cottage, the chefs have seen 50 to 60 overnight guests, who also enjoy a 5-course meal.
Caribou High School alum Ben Ezzy and his news team at the University of Miami were nominated for their 4th College Television Award from the Television Academy Foundation. Ezzy is now the UMTV coordinator and a UM broadcast production instructor.
April
Cary Medical Center announced several new hires, including James York, an emergency department crisis services provider; Mariah Cyr, a certified nurse midwife for Pines Health Services’ Women’s and Children’s Health Center; and Jodi Cote, a Pines Health Services mental health provider.
North Lakes Fire & Rescue made two Caribou businesses – Mark’s Towing and 180 Sealcoating – honorary members of the department. Mark’s Towing employees have towed junk cars to Cross Lake so firefighters can practice extrication techniques. 180 Sealcoating owner Jim Gamage and son Noah, 12, have helped shovel snow from the fire station parking lot.
Aroostook Children’s Advocacy Center, based in Fort Fairfield, was awarded accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance. The center has assisted nearly 400 children and family members since opening in 2018.
The New England Educational Opportunity Association presented Caribou educator Darylen Cote with its 2023 Marian Belgrave-Howard award at its annual conference in Portland. The award honors Cote’s advocacy for students in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s TRIO College Access Services.
May
Caribou’s second coffeeshop, The Maine Bean & Tea, opened on Fort Street, owned by Washington state native Patty Jo Thompson.
Jordan James, a Fort Fairfield native, opened the Dragon Knight Cafe on Bennett Drive in Caribou. James began selling tabletop and video games and said he hoped to start serving homemade pizza, smash burgers and other food menu items.
Caribou artist Kim Chabre found success with her business Riverbed Art, which sells drawings that incorporate colorful river glass she has collected from the shores of the Aroostook River.
After facing an uncertain future, the former Caribou Theater became The Big Bang Theater. New owners Mike and Pat Cyr of Caribou purchased the theater from Arlen Dow to keep the struggling space from closing.
June
Hancock County native John Karst opened Emery’s Outpost, the region’s only store dedicated to hunting and outdoor gear for people and dogs. Karst hoped the store would become a destination for hunters passing through Aroostook County.
Boondocks Grille owner Steve Adams announced that his restaurant has been up for sale since April. With the restaurant now fully staffed, Adams said it’s time for him to pass on the business to someone else.
Jim and Michelle Gamage became co-owners of Spud Speedway in Caribou, along with longtime speedway owner Troy Haney. Jim Gamage and Haney said that they hope to expand their success with The County’s first SnowBowl event and build Spud Speedway into a full racetrack, tiny cabin site and event center.
A new downtown group in Fort Fairfield began meeting to discuss how to bring businesses back to the town’s Main Street. Once the central hub of Aroostook, Fort Fairfield’s downtown began declining in the late 1960s and early 70s after the potato industry dwindled. More buildings disappeared due to the push for urban renewal in the 70s and 80s and after a major downtown flood in 1994.
