CARIBOU, Maine — Bowling enthusiasts will need to wait a bit longer for the opening of Caribou’s most anticipated new business.
After many delays, officials behind Evergreen Lanes and Rendezvous Restaurant expect to open the 10-pin bowling alley in early January.
Evergreen Lanes will be the first 10-pin bowling alley in Aroostook County since one of the same name, located on the former Loring Air Force Base, closed in 1994.
“We’re planning a soft opening for after the new year,” said Deana Williams, office manager for C.S. Management, the property development company that owns and oversees the business. “We haven’t picked a date yet.”
CARIBOU, Maine — December 9, 2022 — Construction crews were on hand to install an outdoor dining patio at Evergreen Lanes and Rendezvous Restaurant this week. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Originally set for a July 2022 opening, Evergreen Lanes and its adjoining restaurant have been delayed several times due to supply chain issues. Officials had hoped to open the doors in late fall before pushing that back to early December and now January 2023.
Williams attributed the latest delay to kitchen supplies that have only recently arrived. In addition, two recently hired employees are headed to Michigan to receive training on how to operate the bowling pinsetters.
Crews were at the bowling alley this week installing the roadside sign and working on the outdoor dining patio.
“The flooring is being installed this week and the [restaurant] tables and booths will be put in next week,” Williams said.
Rendezvous Restaurant is a throwback to the eatery of the same name that operated in Limestone near the base and closed this fall. Former owner Wayne Langley is staying on to train kitchen staff on how to cook his popular pizza and other recipes.
Located in a 35,000-square-foot building on 60 Access Highway, Evergreen Lanes will also feature a 2,500-square-foot arcade. A total of 89 TVs have been installed throughout the building, including at the Rendezvous sports bar and in the dining rooms.
The new business will create 60 jobs, mostly in the restaurant. C.S. Management is accepting job applications until Friday, Dec. 16.
“We’ve had great applicants so far,” Williams said. “We’re set to begin interviews next week.”
