Cafe offers organic dining, entertainment
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — There’s a new cafe in town that combines organic fare with the home-grown talents of local artisans.
THE WHOLE POTATO CAFE & COMMONS 
held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 12, with several city officials on hand to welcome Carol Ayoob and her new business to downtown Presque Isle. Located at 428 Main St., the cafe offers organic dining and entertainment suitable for the whole family. Pictured from left are: Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce members Dawn Poitras and Stacy Shaw; Pat Rathbun, member Downtown Revitalization Committee; Carol Ayoob, owner; Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director; CACC member Karen St. Peter; Jim Nesbitt, friend of the owner; Rod Thompson, Northern Maine Development Commission; CACC member Bonnie Pack; Ken Arndt, Presque Isle’s planning and development director; CACC members Floyd Rockholt and Sarah Brooks; and Steve Sutter, member Downtown Revitalization Committee.
CAROL AYOOB, owner of The Whole Potato Cafe & Commons at 428 Main St. in Presque Isle, 
prepares coffee Dec. 12 for participants of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the downtown eatery, which offers organic fare and opportunities for local musicians to share their talents.
The Whole Potato Cafe & Commons held its soft opening Nov. 11. On Dec. 12, city officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the business to its home at 428 Main St. — former home of the law firm Stevens, Engels, Bishop & Sprague.
“We opened for brunch that Sunday (Nov. 11), and by Wednesday business was in full swing,” said owner Carol Ayoob.
Ayoob said she got the idea following a trip to Portland.
“There’s a place on Congress Street in Portland called ‘Local Sprouts.’ That was my inspiration. I took a guitar and played there. It’s run as a cooperative,” said Ayoob.
While Whole Potato isn’t a cooperative, Ayoob said she’s working with local farmers to obtain as many locally-grown organic products as she can get.
“The Portland business works with local farms the same as we do,” she said.
“We’ll feature organic products, on a seasonal basis, from farmers from all over the state, with as many local products as we can obtain, from grass-fed beef and lamb to grain-fed chicken and organic produce,” said Ayoob.
Soups, salads and wonderful desserts are among the offerings that can be enjoyed in a well-lit dining area featuring cozy seating. A wide selection of beverages, including coffee and tea, is also available. In addition to a great meal, diners can also enjoy music on occasion, as area musicians sit in to share their talents.
Currently she’s working with a number of farmers from across Aroostook County.
“The Yorks in Houlton provide me with beets and carrots. Others I work with include the Dionnes of Misty Meadow Farms, Amy Good of Monticello, Sigrid Houlette of Westmanland, Let’s Get Crackin’ out of Washburn for my eggs and Tim Brown will provide some of my potatoes starting next month,” said Ayoob. “I also hope to work with the Micmacs.”
She enjoys working with artists and organic farmers, showcasing what is available right here at home. “This is an experiment of sorts in an unfolding market,” Ayoob said.
“I’d also like to do a community garden at some point — maybe at Peace Park across town — to teach horticulture principles to anyone interested. We compost at the cafe and at home,” said Ayoob.
Menus vary, depending on whether you stop in on the weekend or during the week. So far, she said response has been great.
“Business has been booming — very steady,” said Ayoob.
Music is a focal point of the business, with bookings being lined up for the weeks to come.
“I like to do jazz on Sunday, with a bit of folk jazz here and there. Whether you’re new to the stage or an old hand at the mic, everyone’s welcome to perform,” said Ayoob.
“Martha Grant’s performed. Coming up right before Christmas we have Justin Wood, Phil Yeager and Brian Sandstrom booked. Pam Kinsey and her daughter have stopped in. If no one’s performing, we throw on some jazz during brunch,” said Ayoob.
Ayoob said she’s had a lot of help from friends and staff but it can get a bit confusing, given the fact their are four Carols involved.
“There’s me, and we have Carol Umphrey, Carol McKnight and Carol Pierson who’ve helped make the cafe a reality — and many more. But it’s a perfect time of year to go ‘caroling,’ don’t you think?” said Ayoob.
Ayoob is also hoping to serve as a collection point for donations for Catholic Charities food drive.
“We would like to offer a hand to Catholic Charities and collect money and non-perishable food. If you come in for a meal, bring along a good healthy food item — non-perishable — and we’ll see that your gift gets to Catholic Charities,” said Ayoob.
Hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals are eat-in or take-out. The businesses has entrances in front and back, with parking available in front of the building and handicap parking in the rear.
For more information, call 554-4258, visit www.thewholepotato.com or look on Facebook.
