Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 31 J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 5 " e new concept was to open up the dining space to maximize the view of the river and the fi replace while still having a cozy breakfast counter, and I think that we have accomplished that," Julie Barker says. " e decor is a mix of rustic and modern with lots of local infl uences from nature and industry Downeast, like the sea, blueberries and hunting. e back of the house is big and spacious but a bit smaller than before, so it is a little adjustment for some, but we are already trying out the new equipment and getting used to it." e reopening is welcome news for residents and for visitors who have long depended on it as a stop, either as part of shopping trips or as a dependable attraction on their travels through Maine. In recent years, the restaurant has even garnered national atten- tion, through mentions in outlets such as National Geographic Traveler, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Parade and Life magazine. "Helen's is a big presence in town," says Town Manager Chris Loughlin. " ey're a Maine icon, and they're certainly well known outside the area. When people come to Machias, one of things they look for is Helen's." At the same time, the rebuild is just one of a variety of downtown developments, as the community works to revitalize its year-round business potential and bolster its identity as a draw for seasonal visitors. Across from Helen's, the Machias Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the next phase of con- version of a historic train depot to a visitor center. is summer, $6,000 will go into stabilizing the baggage platform, as part of a complete overhaul, though the organization still hopes to raise an additional $70,000 to $100,000. Sited near scenic and recreational attrac- tions — including the 85-mile Down East Sunrise Trail, a thousand-acre nature preserve and the Machias Bay estuary — the plan is to use the building as a cultural, educational and historical center, with the chamber moving its offi ces there this fall. Leading up to Memorial Day, restaurants were freshening up menus and businesses were putting the fi nal touches on building and painting projects. At the Tex-Mex bar and grille Skywalker's, which opened in 2013, owner Danielle Parker just completed an expansion that involved knocking down a wall and increasing space by a third. A popular venue for live music and billiards, there's now more room for dancing and a second pool table. Elsewhere on Main Street, branches of Machias Savings Bank and Bangor Savings Bank have both had renovations over the past year. Machias hopes to capitalize on its status as a regional hub, with a Hannaford, the Down East Community Hospital, the University of Maine at Machias and other businesses and agencies fulfi lling everyday needs. "Most people from 30 miles in any direction come here for shopping," says Loughlin. "To get anything more, you'd have to go to Ellsworth or Bangor or Calais." Sharon Mack, executive director of the Machias Chamber of Commerce, stands in front of a historic train depot that will, after renovations, serve as a visitor center and headquarters for the chamber. P H O T O / DAV E C L O U G H Welcome Vicki Hall Machias Savings Bank welcomes new Vice President of Business Banking Vicki Hall to its team of experienced bankers at the Bar Harbor branch. To experience Exceptional Banking in Bar Harbor, call Vicki at 207-288-8071. Vicki Hall Vice President, Business Banking 96 Cottage Street, PO Box 67 Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0068 207-288-8071 Member FDIC Congratulations TO ALL THE Maine Small Business Administration Award winners SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Heidi V. Neal Loyal Biscuit Co. Rockland and a special Congratulations to CEI clients Heidi V. Neal, Loyal Biscuit Co.; Kate McAleer, Bixby & Co., LLC; and Paula and Stephen Farrar, Done Roving Yarns www.ceimaine.org 207.882.7552 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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