Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 JA N UA R Y 9 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S 2 0 2 3 E C O N O M I C O U T L O O K H O S P I TA L I T Y Castine's new blood ready to take on 2023 B y A l e x i s W e l l s M att Powell and George Trinovitch, owners of the Pentagoet Inn, have been busy since Mainebiz previously spoke with them. As more people escape the hubbub of city life, small-town busi- nesses are reaping the benefits. "On the whole, the Blue Hill Peninsula feels like it's been on an upward trend, with more people looking to escape to the natural beauty of the area, away from the hubbub of city life," said Powell. "Acadia [National Park] has seen record numbers of visitors, and the surrounding towns, we believe, are directly benefiting from this grow- ing national awareness of our area. e peninsula was recently listed in Fortune as a top destination for 2023. People are looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path escapes, and that's exactly what we are." e 128-year-old Pentagoet Inn & Wine Bar on Main Street is the coastal town's oldest summer inn. e midcoast Maine bed and breakfast was built in 1894. It has a prominent three-story turret, gables, an adjoining 18th-century house, and a charming wraparound porch. In the summer, Powell and Trinovitch bought the Pentagoet Inn & Wine Bar at 26 Main St. from Julie Van de Graaf and Jack Burke, who owned the business for 22 years. e inn is undergoing the first round of renovation and redesign plans. Within the first day of the off- season, the couple already had electri- cians at the inn to replace light fixtures in the dining room. e inn is also undergoing extensive repairs and the Perkins House annex restoration. "Although it's an unexpected project, we are happy to be proactive in maintain- ing this historic building," said Powell. Aesthetic plans for the first floor will be revealed right before the 2023 season. Powell and Trinovitch said the Pentagoet is not in hiring mode yet, though it will be looking toward the 2023 season. e inn's full roster of summer 2022 employees will be returning, and the inn has added two additional roles in the kitchen. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » YOU HAVE GREAT IDEAS. TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD IT We have the advice and financing tools to make them a reality. Together, we can build vibrant, equitable and environmentally sustainable local economies. 207.504.5900 www.ceimaine.org P H O T O / DAV I D C L O U G H Matthew Powell and George Trinovitch say despite lingering uneasiness about a possible recession, Castine is well positioned. Although there seems to be a lingering uneasiness as to whether we're heading into a recession, we feel lucky to be positioned in Castine, a town that has a steady stream of people who make it a family tradition to visit the region. — Matt Powell Pentagoet Inn TURN YOUR VISION INTO REALITY Bring us your inspiration and you'll work with one of our Drafting Specialists to professionally plan your project! A Division of HAMMONDLUMBER.COM 22 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE

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