By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“I figured the worst thing they would tell me was ‘no,’” said Alison Brown, owner of Caribou’s newest business, Sweden Street Hot Spot, referring to her initial attempts at purchasing the building that for years was known about the area as Mighty Mike’s IGA, then Roy’s IGA and most recently Sirois’ Market.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Caribou’s newest business the Sweden Street Hotspot held its grand opening on July 8 and 9. On hand to participate in the celebration were, in from, from left: Shawn Anderson, Eric Scott and Mary Dahlgren, representing the Northern Maine Development Commission; Alison Brown, proprietor; Laticia Byram, Patti Romano, Sam Fuller and Keith Brown. In back are Kyrah Kyle, Melanie Cleaves, Jody Cyr, Heather Curry, Evan Kyle, Jennie Coon and Matt Brown.
Following the sale of her parents (Bob and Alice Ouellette) business, Ouellette’s, farther up the road, at which Brown had grown up working in, she spent two and a half years working as a bank teller. “I missed this atmosphere, seeing the friendly, familiar faces I used to see nearly every day at the store,” stated Brown.
When customers step into the newly opened business, they are greeted by not only a bright, clean, well organized ‘mini grocery’ but the most wonderful aromas coming from the store’s bakery/deli area. With several tables available for customers to enjoy coffee and their favorite snack or lunch, the Sweden Street Hot Spot offers a wide variety of made-on-site sandwiches, sweets, breads, rolls, beans and salads, to list only a few of the items. Brown also encourages her customers that, “If you get something that isn’t quite right — please let us know — we have new employees and some new recipes and we want to be aware if there are any problems.”
Also on hand are a wide variety of grocery items that include everything from paper products, milk, canned foods and laundry detergent to frozen pizzas and packaged meat. “We are a mini grocery/convenience store/bakery,” said Brown. “We also have the cheapest coffee in town, perfect with fresh doughnuts.”
“I love the hustle and bustle of this business,” stated Brown, “I have grown up with great role models in my parents, who have always been very hard workers. “Through working with them, I have learned that it is very important to remember that it’s not what you have, rather that it is your customers make your business.”
“I have great employees — five working in the front and three in the bakery,” said Brown and true to keeping it a family-oriented business, three of Alison and Keith’s children also work at the business.
“It is through the assistance of the Northern Maine Development Commission and the constant support from my friends and family that this business has opened and I can’t begin to thank everyone enough.”
Facing the challenges that come with opening any new business, Brown said that she was very lucky because her husband, Keith, was able to do all of the work, “He has supported me in this endeavor all the way around,” said Brown, “I am very lucky, and ‘yes’ we had a number of challenges, or troubles — absolutely.”
The inside of the building has been completely re-done from floor to ceiling. “Besides finding that the entire ceiling would have to be replaced,” said Brown, “ when we went to pick up the flooring we had ordered we were informed it had been sold to someone else, — just those types of things, along with losing our initial vendors, it took a while — but things finally are falling into place.”
“Obviously the front of the exterior isn’t finished yet,” said Brown, “but we really wanted to get the inside finished so customers could come in and see what we have to offer.” Brown also commented that she was helped a great deal by ‘two very faithful friends, in Heather Curry and Melanie Cleaves, who worked along side of her every step of the way.”
Luncheon specials featured Monday through Friday include, pulled pork, rib-eye steak and sausage, peppers and onions sandwiches; meatball subs and haddock burgers. Orders to go or to eat-in may be called in ahead of time.
Other menu items available throughout the day are chicken wings, popcorn chicken, chicken tenders, egg rolls, French fries and onion rings, burgers, mini tacos and steak bombs.
“Everybody knows how to cook,” said Brown, “but nobody has the time — we make the time — stop in and hit the jackpot at the Sweden Street Hot Spot.”
Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Telephone 498-3418.