Business ribbon cuttings: Houlton’s new summer trend

By Ben Austin
Staff Writer
    Ribbon cuttings have continued to be a plentiful summer event, as two more Houlton businesses held their opening ceremonies earlier this week.
Pioneer Times photo/David Russell
Toot Sweet held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday marking the grand opening of the bakery and chocolate shop at 64 North Street. Attending the festivities were, from left, Anne Callnan, president Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce; Wade Hanson, Community Development director; Lori Weston, executive director of the Chamber; Sue Miller, co-owner; Marylou Kivler, co-owner; Debbie Bouley, chamber board member; Sue Tortello, town councilor; and Paul Cleary, council chairman.
    Toot Sweet, bakery and chocolate shoppe, which is co-owned by Sue Miller and Fred and Mary-Lou Kivler,  opened its doors last Wednesday with an open house. The public was in and out of the candy shop , located at 64 North Street, all evening gazing at and sampling the chocolate treats.
    “The open house went very well. We were very pleased with the turnout,” explained co-owner Sue Miller.
    The following day Toot Sweet officially went into business. Since opening day Toot Sweet has had very consistent business.
    “Business has been picking up every day. People are just finding out about us,” said Miller.
    Toot Sweet specializes in creative cakes, party supplies, and will start making old-fashioned box lunches tomorrow. They will decorate a cake exactly to your liking, and have a book inside the store for customers to look through in order to get great cake ideas.
     In the mornings you can stop in to grab a muffin or cinnamon roll and some of the freshest coffee in the town of Houlton, and after lunch you can stop in to make a quick snack out of some cookies, cupcakes, or some homemade bread.
    "We will be taking suggestions, and will be delivering if people call in their orders,” explained Miller.
    Toot Sweet is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Even though they close their doors at 2 p.m. on weekdays, Miller explained that they will be available if customers need to pick up an order later in the day.
    For more information, call the shop at  532-0754.
Pioneer Times photo/David Russell
Hairworks Studio and Miss Whimsey’s gift shop, 15 Court St. in Houlton, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to mark new ownership at the popular salon. Attending were, from left, Sue Tortello, town councilor; Anne Callnan, president Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce; Paul Cleary, council chairman; Lori Weston, executive director of the Chamber; Wanita and Steve Rush, new owners, and their daughter Alexis; Wade Hanson, Community Development director; and Debbie Bouley, chamber board member.
    Hairworks Studio on Court Street also had a ribbon cutting Monday, celebrating the new ownership of the salon by Wanita and Steve Rush. The Rushes bought Hairworks Studio two weeks ago from Candy and Rod Herring, who owned the popular boutique for 27 years.
    No major changes have been planned by the Rushes for Hairworks.
    "Its going well so far, same as usual. It’s all good,” explained Rush.
    For more information, contact Wanita at 532-4247.