Bou’s Brew Pub
opens in downtown Presque Isle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Friday, April 13, was far from being unlucky for Alan and Kylie Bouchard, owners of Bou’s Brew Pub which opened for business at 431 Main Street and the former site of Freddy P’s — making the couple’s longtime dream come true. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion.
BOU’S BREW PUB opened for business at 431 Main Street in Presque Isle, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 13. Present for the event were, from left: Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce members Stacy Shaw and Nancy Fletcher; owners Kylie and Alan Bouchard; Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director; and CACC member Dawn Poitras. 
“My wife and I have always wanted to run our own business. It just happened that we stopped in Freddy P’s when the owners were selling — got it for a good price,” said Alan Bouchard.
Bouchard, who turns 34 in May, brings several years of retail knowledge to the business.
“I worked at Walmart for 13 years and decided it was time to try something new,” said Bouchard, crediting family for making he and his wife’s dream a reality. “We couldn’t have done it without my parents — our backers — Daryl and Tammy Bouchard.”
Bouchard, originally from Presque Isle, lived in Bangor for six months but missed the County and returned.
“I got homesick and wanted be closer to family and friends,” said Bouchard. “Kylie’s from Fall River, Mass.”
He said he and Kylie like the location and being a part of the downtown atmosphere.
“It’s a great location. Feedback has been great; we have a completely different clientele than the previous owners,” said Bouchard. “Between 5-10 p.m., we’re seeing the work crowd coming in to relax. We have a variety of pub food, including pub-style pulled pork and we’ve also added poutine, among other choices. We also have a wide selection of beverages, including beer and mixed drinks.
The Bouchards have been talking with Chris Dow, owner of the Braden Theatre, and Micah Desmond, owner of the newly-opened Amato’s, about family-owned businesses.
“We’ve been talking with Micah and Chris. The three businesses kind of form a triangle of family-owned and –operated businesses in the heart of town. We all have extended family involved in the respective businesses,” he said.
“Main Street has a long tradition of being a family-oriented place. We hope it grows. It’s definitely on the right path,” said Bouchard.
Bouchard said it’s been great so far.
“Kylie and I are happy with the way things are going so far. We’ll be taking part in the First Friday Art Walk May 4, featuring the work of photographer Samantha Marie White,” Bouchard said. “We’ll also have a Cinco de Mayo celebration with specials.”
“This has been our dream for a while. Our dream is to have our own chain,” said Bouchard.
The business is open Monday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; closed Tuesdays; open Wednesday-Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and closed Sundays.
“Except during football season – we’ll be open Sundays for football fans. We have four 50-inch TV’s for sports fans or to watch anything else going on,” he said.
Bouchard wished to thank family, friends and patrons for their support.
“From myself and my wife — we’ve received such positive feedback and respect. It’s greatly appreciated,” said Bouchard.
Bou’s employs seven people, in addition to the owners.
“We have five bartenders and two bouncers. Kylie and I also can be found on site. It’s important for an owner to be involved in a business, get to know the customers,” Bouchard said.
For more information, call 768-0416.
