Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/518148
V O L . X X I N O. X I J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 5 30 W hen Helen's Restaurant was destroyed by fi re in July 2014, the loss had both a sentimental and economic impact on a community trying to become a destination rather than a drive-through town. More than anything, it showed how a small com- munity could pull together to help Helen's staff of 50 through community fundraisers and an online campaign. Some employees were hired by other businesses. at eff ort was complemented by the Washington County Career Center's rapid response team. "It was like a death in the family," Sharon Mack, executive director of the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, says. "I never saw a community rally so quickly and fully in my life. ere were meetings to see who would raise funds when. Helen's always stepped up for others, and that's what people did for them." e restaurant dates to 1950 and has had several owners. Over the years, it has been at the center of local life, a meeting place for local organizations and a family-style eatery with good food. It has also been an employer where many residents got their fi rst paychecks as teenagers. To that point, David and Julie Barker, the owners since 2008, have themselves been involved with the restaurant since they were teens. "We have been here so long we know how to do every job necessary," Julie Barker writes via email, tak- ing a moment during the hectic days before reopening. "David orders the stock and pays bills. I make out the schedules, payroll and menu. We are both on the fl oor for lunch and dinner almost daily. We try to take a day off , or two, if we are lucky, but are always a phone call away and live within walking distance." After the fi re, the couple vowed to rebuild. In less than a year, they returned a restaurant similar in footprint, but with improvements to the dining area and kitchen. Helen's, an iconic Main Street restaurant that was destroyed by fi re in 2014, has been rebuilt by owners David and Julie Barker. P H O T O / DAV E C L O U G H Change afoot on Main Street in Machias Rebuilding of Helen's a bellwether of change in downtown B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r F O C U S Freeing the power of you. 207.623.1110 | www.allumbaugh.com Forget multiple insurance brokers, employee wellness programs, benefits, billing, regulatory compliance and COBRA. You simply want to be able to focus on what your business does best. The Allumbaugh Agency is a unique partner with a passion for the innovative looking to provide comprehensive, integrated benefit solutions, freeing the power of you.