Crow’s Nest
proposed for former Slopes facility
By Kathy McCarty
THE CROW’S NEST Restaurant and Event Center LLC was granted an amusement permit and liquor license at Presque Isle City Council’s June session. The business will be located in the former Slopes building on Maysville Street. Pictured from left are: City Councilor Mel Hovey, City Manager Jim Bennett and James Stacey, owner of the proposed restaurant.
PRESQUE ISLE — The building once home to Slopes: Northern Maine Restaurant & Brewing Company, located on Maysville Street, is now in the process of being renovated by James Stacey for use as a restaurant and conference center.
Stacey appeared before City Council in June, requesting an amusement permit and a malt, spirituous and vinous liquor license for his proposed business, identified as the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center LLC. Councilors unanimously approved both requests.
He also sought approval of a Presque Isle Development Fund loan for $200,000, with the money to be used to help with renovations.
Councilor Mel Hovey expressed concern, noting he was worried Stacey “could make it work.”
Stacey addressed the Council, saying it was “a good facility, well constructed and centrally located.”
“The word I’m getting from the community is they want to utilize it. A number of organizations are looking to utilize it,” Stacey said.
Stacey said he and his wife have struggled over the years to find nice places to dine.
“We’re looking to create one. I’m investing considerably (in the facility). I’ve run a number of financial models and everything works,” said Stacey, noting that plans included keeping prices down to get more people coming to the business.
Plans are to create an alternative to what’s already available for dining options in the area.
“We’re going to provide an alternative to what’s already here. Our concept isn’t to shut everyone else down, it’s to give an alternative,” he said.
Instead of going twice a month to eat out, Stacey hoped people would go a third time with the addition of the Crow’s Nest.
Renovations include the creation of a carport so passengers can get out of vehicles in a covered setting during inclement weather.
“They can get out without getting soaked. We’ll also have a children’s play room where the brewery was, where children can go and play while waiting for dinner. We’re planning a to-go window on one end of the building so people don’t have to get out of their vehicles to pick up an order. We’ll also have a bar area,” Stacey told councilors.
Stacey said the inside of the structure needs some repairs, due to the fact the building went unheated for over a year. He said in addition to interior repairs, he was looking at installing additional windows to allow for more natural light to enter the building. Plans also included installing materials for sound absorption.
“On the more formal side we’ll have candles on the tables, trees and flowers for a more personal appeal and to break up the echo effect. We’ll have lots of windows — plans include three six-foot windows,” he said.
The facility will also feature conference rooms.
City Manager Jim Bennett told councilors that measures had been taken to ensure the security of the loan.
“A jumbo CD was opened that if there’s a default, we can recover the funds. It’s also a shorter note — six years, as opposed to a 20-year note. The appraisal that came back on the property had plenty of equity (in the structure and land it sits on). This is much different than the first loan on this property (when it was Slopes),” said Bennett.
“Jim (Stacey), I’m sure you understand our concern,” said Councilor Walt Elish. “We are very supportive and hope you’re truly successful. If you are, then other businesses will be successful. We wish you the best.”
With that, Council voted in favor of granting the loan for a period of six years at an interest rate of two and a quarter percent per annum, with payments of interest only for the initial two years and principal and interest payments for the remainder of the loan.
According to Code Enforcement Officer Jerry McAvaddy, Rick Nadeau of A&L Construction, of Presque Isle, has been hired to perform interior renovations.
During a phone interview July 19, Stacey confirmed he is working to upgrade the facility, with a opening tentatively scheduled for the end of September.
When asked what attracted him to the facility, he credited his wife.
“My wife grew up in the area (New Sweden); we now live here. We saw the facility and now are in the process of refurbishing the property,” he said.
Public support has been plentiful.
“We’ve received a great deal of public interest in what we’re going. Everyone’s been very supportive,” said Stacey. “We’re looking to create a facility where all feel welcome.”