The Crow’s Nest opens Oct. 6
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Looking for a cozy place to roost with friends and loved ones — someplace that offers not just a great atmosphere but a wonderful dining experience? Then come check out The Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, LLC, officially opening for business on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 150 Maysville St.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS — The Crow’s Nest, located at 150 Maysville St., Presque Isle, officially opens for business Oct. 6. The owner and staff members are looking forward to serving the public’s dining needs. Pictured from left are: Jim Stacey, owner; Jan Lucas, events manager; Katherine Esty, chef manager; and Jayson Stickney, dining manager.
Vacant for nearly two years, the former home of Slopes Northern Maine Restaurant and Brewing Company has taken on a new life and new owner, with its acquisition by Jim Stacey, who first fell in love with the facility last year.
Stacey has proven that with a little TLC, anything is possible. The building, which had been stripped of its contents, including equipment and fixtures, following a spring 2009 auction, has been refurbished, top to bottom, inside and out.
“While putting together the ideas and concept for this restaurant and event business, I listened to people from the restaurant business, customers and experts from other fields. I have been challenged to provide an excellent experience for everybody that comes through the front or back doors,” said Stacey.
With over 12,000 square feet of restaurant and indoor event space, The Crow’s Nest is “the finest destination in any season,” said Stacey.
When asked where he got the name, Stacey said it’s based on a past dining experience.
“My wife, Channa Jackson Stacey, and I used to frequent a business by this name in Michigan. We liked that facility and how it made us feel. We’ve used the name here, hoping others will love this one as much as we loved the one in Michigan,” said Stacey.
The Crow’s Nest will offer casual dining with menu selections to cater to all tastes.
“Our specials will include an eclectic mix from different world cuisines. Selections will include seafood, pastas, poultry and red meats. We will minimize salts, sugars and fats where possible. Our children’s menu will contain fresh, healthy — yet creative — food items,” he said.
Whenever possible, Stacey said fresh, locally-grown produce and meats will be used at the restaurant.
Stacey said one of his priorities when creating The Crow’s Nest was making a place families felt welcome at.
“Many young couples have stopped dining out because the experience is not enjoyable with their small children, so I have created an environment where the children can leave the table and use an adjoining play room while the parents stay at the table, able to watch the children through the glass wall separating the play area from the family dining area,” he said.
The play area contains a child-sized kitchen set, complete with miniature appliances, table and chairs, extra seating and toys. For older youth, there are flat screen televisions with video games.
The business also offers take-out service for those in a hurry or not wishing to get out of their vehicles.
“Our To Go window is available when dining at a restaurant isn’t an option. Customers can pre-order a meal and collect it from the To Go window without leaving their vehicle,” said Stacey.
He’s also added a carport so passengers can be safely delivered in inclement weather to the reception area, while the driver parks the car. The 14-foot-high canopy will accommodate coaches and enable customers to drop passengers at the doors prior to parking their vehicle.
“Customer convenience is of utmost importance,” he said.
The convenience extends to nursing mothers as well.
“The nursing mother is often left inconvenienced and sometimes embarrassed while trying to comfort her baby while breast feeding. The Crow’s Nest provides a private room for just this purpose, adjacent to the family dining area,” Stacey said.
The bar area offers an inviting atmosphere, with a lounge area and big-screen televisions.
“Tall bar stool seating and tables in The Crow Bar gives customers views of big screen TVs, or they can relax in the soft seating area and enjoy a drink from the superbly stocked bar, which includes a fine selection of draught and bottled beers, liquors, specialty cocktails and an extensive wine cellar,” Stacey said.
For those who prefer a more tranquil dining experience, The Maple Room is the perfect spot.
“Soft background music plays while diners enjoy their meal on linen-topped, candlelit tables in a finely decorated and relaxed dining room. Diners who prefer privacy for a dinner meeting, small family celebration, etc., but within the ambience of the restaurant are invited to use an annex in The Maple Room,” explained Stacey.
For those planning a private party or event, The Crow’s Nest has just the location for your special day.
“The Crow’s Nest Event Center is an excellent facility for corporate events, meetings, weddings and parties, whether the event includes seven people or 700 guests. The Event Center has a private entrance, ample parking and private rest room facilities and a choice of rooms to suit any function,” he said.
The facility can easily accommodate 300 seated or up to 1,000 standing, making it the perfect place for just about any gathering one might have in mind.
Event Manager Jan Lucas said the business has already begun booking events.
“We’ve received several inquiries and already have about two dozen events booked through early next year,” said Lucas.
“Our dedicated events team will work with clients to ensure every detail is met; and our chef manager, Katherine Esty, will create a menu tailored to each event, whether it is a finger food buffet or a seated formal dinner,” said Stacey.
Stacey said the executive organization is focused and structured to “ensure professional leadership to each area of the business.”
“Jan, our events manager, works closely with the hosts to ensure the greatest satisfaction possible. The dining and bar area is managed by Jayson Stickney. Jayson’s past experience includes training new teams for new restaurant start-ups. He will ensure that the service level will be pleasing to everybody,” said Stacey. “And Katherine brings a wide range of menu options from her vast experience; she always searches for the perfect fit for the community she is in.”
Stacey brings many years of business experience to the restaurant as well.
“My personal experience is managing businesses on a global basis. Recently, I retired from an automotive components company. During my 20 years with this company, my focus has always been teamwork, continues improvement, preventative actions, growth and profits. We were able to grow the company from 300 employees to over 2,500 and sales from $3 million to $1 billion,” said Stacey. “Encouragement and reward go a long way to motivate people to always do their best.”
Stacey said The Crow’s Nest is located in a good spot.
“It’s conveniently situated in Presque Isle, with easy access to Route 1, the Canadian eastern provinces, Northern Maine Regional Airport, the Hampton Inn, and the Maine Winter Sports facilities at the Nordic Heritage Center, Quoggy Jo Ski Center and Big Rock Ski Resort,” he said.
The facility will be open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dining, with the bar area open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The business will employ approximately 75 people.
“We hope within a month to be open on Sundays for buffet dining,” said Stacey.
Wednesday, Oct. 6, marks the official opening of The Crow’s Nest.
For more information, contact 540-1800 or visit www.TheCrowsNest.com or look it up on Facebook.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
A SPACIOUS FORMAL DINING area, called the Maple Room, offers guests at The Crow’s Nest the perfect setting for a private dinner for two or a feast for 20 or more. Large windows offer natural lighting and a view of the changing seasons outside the Maysville Street restaurant in Presque Isle. There’s also the casual dining side, suitable for the whole family, with a play area for children.
CHILDREN have their own space to play as they wait for meals at The Crow’s Nest, Maysville Street, Presque Isle. A play area equipped with a child-sized kitchen and table set, flat screen televisions and games awaits behind a glass partition, in clear view of the dining area, allowing parents to watch their little ones while waiting to be served.
