PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — When folks step into Menu 55, the newest burger joint in Presque Isle, they’ll see dozens of family photographs lining the dining area walls and a small, close-knit family of employees frying their latest orders of large signature burgers, french fries, wings and other fast food staples.
Located on 19 Davis St., Menu 55 is a dining experience that owner Keagan Page, a Washburn native, wants to resemble his favorite restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Five Guys Burgers and Fries but also be unique to Aroostook County.
“We want this to be a throwback type of place, where you feel like you’re stepping back into the ‘80s to get a burger,” Page said. “It’s family-oriented and captures the spirit of Aroostook County.”
Menu 55 has been open since May 15 and features items such as the “Signature 55 Burger,” with a half-pound beef patty topped with bacon and a “signature sauce” as well as wings, french fries and chicken patties. Page said his business goals include getting most food products from local sources.
The restaurant’s name comes from 55 being his second favorite number and a symbol of his birthday, which falls on May 5, he said. Photos on the walls chronicle family memories, such as the church his parents got married in and his sister playing softball for Caribou High School.
Thus far most of Page’s seven employees have been family members or friends of the family. He credits the family atmosphere for helping Menu 55 establish a promising relationship with local customers and give work experience to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I just hired a friend of my sister’s who I’ve known since they were in pre-K. She’s a high school senior and wants to open her own hair salon,” Page said. “If I could teach her some good business lessons, maybe that could help her one day.”
Page’s new roles as business owner and mentor are ones that he has been building toward since working at KFC after high school. Most recently he worked at his mother’s bakery and, thanks to help from family, began experimenting with various recipes for the food he now serves at Menu 55.
After initially planning to open a food truck, the pandemic forced Page to take a step back and look at other options. Now, with a permanent location and easing COVID-19 restrictions, he is excited to have more customers sit down and enjoy food inside.
With a renewed focus on increasing business and economic development in Presque Isle, Page also hopes to one day open more restaurants in the city and help motivate the next generations of entrepreneurs.
“When you go to a local business, you know the people appreciate your support [unlike in corporate businesses],” Page said. “It’s something we can grow and keep around for our children and grandchildren.”
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — June 16, 2021 — Menu 55 owner Keagan Page (left) and employee Briana Devoe prepare a “signature burger.” (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
