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V O L . X X V I I N O. X X I I O C T O B E R 4 , 2 0 2 1 32 place of the displaced revenues but it did create something positive so we could put one foot in front of the other. We reopened shacks where people wanted to and where it was safe to do so. We had landlords negotiate rents with us. We did exceptionally well with branded grocery [products]. We now have eight Luke's branded grocery products in over 1,000 grocery stores. We didn't envision it growing this quickly. MB: In 2021, the pandemic is still ongoing with some pockets of normalcy. How did the company evolve this year? LH: It's been a challenging year. ere's been more predictability than 2020, but we're still dealing with different politi- cal environments, different infection rates. It's been a real challenge to keep a team together and motivated. We've had a hard time staying staffed. It's been anything but a normal year. MB: For the next year and beyond, what are your restaurant plans for the U.S. and internationally? LH: We're starting to be able to think a year or two out again. We're outside of the 'Are we going to survive' envi- ronment. e businesses that sprung up during the pandemic — the online market and branded grocery — we have a lot to learn about. On the flip side, we took a bath on the restaurant group. In New York City alone we lost 3 to 5 shacks. at was a very significant part of our business. We would like to restore and rebuild in cities like New York and become reinvested at a lower cost. ere's a lot of exceptional locations available now at more affordable prices. MB: In the big picture, what do you hope to do or be for the Maine seafood and business community? Have you achieved that? LH: is is an egotistical perspective but we're now paying fishermen in Maine more for lobster than we ever have. We're putting more value on Maine lobster. We're the champion brand for market- ing Maine lobster. I feel great that the industry is able to pull together and make it work. It's a big industry effort led by Luke's Lobster to care for and care about the lobster community. ere's a great opportunity to be a leader in the global seafood world and the Maine seafood community where we're looking at climate change and where we all work together to reduce our carbon footprint. Je ssic a Hal l, Mainebiz staff w r ite r, can be reached at jhall @ mainebiz.biz Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com "I need the right broker who can connect the dots. The Dunham Group is understanding of who we are, how we make money, and they don't present us deals that aren't right for us. They truly put the client and the deal first." - Josh Benthien, Northland CEO & Partner TC Haffenreffer, Dunham Group Broker | Ellen Thompson, Northland CFO | Josh Benthien, Northland CEO & Partner Trust is the Center of a Great Relationship. A strong and trusted partner. For 140 years, we've known that perseverance, ingenuity, and taking responsibility for doing things well the first time are the keys to lasting success. As industry pioneers, we are ready to help you improve your communities, your inf rastructure, and our environment. Levi Ladd Expert in 3D reality capture methods & geospatial data analytics (207) 827-4456 • (800) 648-4202 Old Town • Yarmouth www.sewall.com Consultants in: Engineering | Survey | Energy | Geospatial Solutions | Natural Resources • LiDAR & 3D Scanning • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Asset Management Systems • Aerial Imaging & Drone Services • Land Surveying & Bathymetry • Remote Sensing • Building Information Modeling (BIM) » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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