Independent

Independent
Favorite Burger and Fries
Favorite Takeout
Favorite Mechanic
Favorite Pizza
Favorite Overall Restaurant
Favorite Happy Hour
Favorite Hardware Store
Favorite Daycare
Favorite Real Estate Agency
Favorite Flower Shop
Favorite Farm
Favorite Family-Owned Business
Favorite Place to Get Groceries
Favorite Place to Go Skiing
Favorite Italian Sandwich
Favorite Ice Cream
Favorite Breakfast
Favorite Variety Store
Favorite Landscaper
Favorite Place to Work Out
Best Customer Service
A Special Annual
Supplement By
2009
BUSINESS
AWARDS
Local Business Hero
Page 2
Independent Business Awards 2009
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Independent Business Awards 2009
Page 3
Charlie Beiggs wins Mathieu voted 2009’s
local
business
hero
favorite overall
Local
B
restaurant honors
Business Hero
W
hen they were laying the cornerstone for the North Windham Fire Station in 1934,
it’s unlikely that any of those builders
thought to themselves, “In 75 years, this
building will hold the most popular restaurant in Windham!”
But, alas, it does. Charlie Beiggs
narrowly edged out Bob’s Seafood for
Favorite Overall Restaurant in the 2009
Independent Business Awards.
The restaurant started as Rozzi’s
Fire Barn almost 40 years ago and has
been known as Charlie Beiggs since
1988. Whether there ever really was a
Charlie is still up for debate.
The restaurant has been owned by
husband and wife team Tony Barner and
Claire Amrhein for the past two years.
Barner said the key to keeping
people returning is knowing they can
get quality food and that certain favorite items will always be on the menu,
but also mixing things up to surprise
those that like variety when they come
through the door.
“We meet every week to try to come
up with new ideas for the menu,” said
Barner of the well-rounded menu that
features quality meat, seafood and pasta
dishes. A fully-stocked tavern and re-
Favorite
Overall Restaurant
1. Charlie Beiggs
2. Bob’s Seafood
Honorable Mention:
Rose’s Italian Restaurant,
Pat’s Pizza, DiSanto’s Restaurant,
Gilbert’s Chowder House,
The Landing Restaurant
spectable wine menu help complement
a variety of tasty desserts as well. “We
try to stay in season and don’t change
things every week, but we want people
to see new items when they arrive.”
There are plenty of interesting plans
on tap for Charlie Beiggs, including
teaming with Sebago Brewing Company for a multi-course beer dinner in the
near future, a bowling tournament that
will begin next week and live music for
St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras.
“We try to be a place that people want
to come and hang out,” said Barner.
— Joshua Shea
eyond the friendly faces you see
as you first walk in to Bob’s Seafood in Windham, and even past
the cooks hard at work out back in the
kitchen, is a woman diligently working
to maintain a high quality of customer
service, a staple in the restaurant’s business model. Co-owner Tarah Mathieu
has been with the business since its inception in 2002 and prides herself on
running a quality establishment.
Not only does Mathieu keep her eye
on growing the business from a financial standpoint, she makes it a priority
to keep Bob’s Seafood involved in the
local community. She’s given many
gift certificates, donations and seafood
to community fundraisers and benefit
functions and has helped local schools
and churches with their needs as well.
From supporting local sports teams to
volunteering her time with the Raymond Recreation Department teaching
snowboarding classes, it’s easy to see
why so many voted her as the local business hero.
Buying locally whenever possible is
also a way Mathieu supports her neighbors in the business community. Bob’s
Seafood also recently joined the Lakes
Region Chamber of Commerce and
with Mathieu’s leadership, will look to
continue its growth within the community.
— Leanne Ouimet
1. Tarah Mathieu:
Bob’s Seafood
2. Maura Edgecomb:
Heaven and Earth Day Spa
3. Ron Eby: Windham Automotive
Honorable Mention:
Peter Busque: Busque Construction,
Sheri Huff: Lee’s Family Trailer
Sales and Services,
Kelly Mank: Time 4 Pictures/Time 4 Printing,
Mike Gorman: Gorman’s Automotive
Favorite
Seafood
1. Bob’s Seafood
2. Charlie Beiggs
Honorable Mention:
The Landing Restaurant,
Gilbert’s Chowder House,
Fishermen’s Net
BIRCHWOOD DAY NURSERY SCHOOL
Restaurant
892-9922
Casual Dining in a Relaxed Atmosphere
Where the old Red Sands Restaurant was located
Thank You
To Everyone
Who Voted
For Us!
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-8pm
THANKS TO OUR PARENTS!
We thank you for voting and especially for sharing
your children with us!
1003 River Road, Windham
892-7949
Thank You For Voting For Us!
Old World
Restaurant
Fine Italian Cuisine
“Always with hands
in our pasta”
690 Roosevelt Trail • Windham • 892-0010
Page 4
Independent Business Awards 2009
Amato’s:
Inventor still makes favorite Italian
W
hen you’re talking Italian
sandwiches, its hard to go up
against its creator. Amato’s
lays claim to being the inventor of the
Italian and based on votes, it’s still the
best you can find around.
A couple of years back, The Independent interviewed John Amato, who sold
his family’s business to current owner,
Dominic Reali, in 1972. He said that the
sandwich was invented by his grandfather, Giovanni, at his India Street bakery
in Portland around the dawn of the 20th
century. Amato’s currently advertises
the sandwich’s origin as 1902.
“At some point he probably thought
he could sell the bread easier if he put
some other stuff (most likely Genoa salami to begin with) inside of the little
buns. So he started selling sandwiches
instead of just bread.” And the rest, they
say, is history.
According to John, Giovanni eventually purchased a storefront directly
across the street from their bakery and
started selling the sandwiches from this
location. This was the original Amato’s
sandwich shop, and is still there today.
The “traditional” Italian (called the
“Real Italian” at Amato’s) consists of the
following ingredients added to the sandwich in the following order: American
Favorite
Italian Sandwich
1. Amato’s
2. Hoggy’s Market
Honorable Mention:
Basso’s Italian Market, Corsetti’s Variety
cheese, ham, onions, sour pickles, tomatoes, green peppers and Greek (usually
kalamata) olives.
Coming in second place was the
Italian sandwich offered at Hoggy’s
Market. If you’re looking for a lot of
food at a great price, this is your sandwich. When new employees who aren’t
from Windham ask where they can get
a great sandwich, Hoggy’s is the place
that I’ve been recommending since first
being introduced to their Italians about
a year ago. It must have been good advice, as I’ve noticed that they, in turn,
offer the same advice to employees who
come in after them looking for a lunch
that won’t leave them hungry two hours
later and won’t leave much of a dent in
their wallet.
— Joshua Shea
Real estate is a ‘Team’
effort for local favorite
C
o-owners Charlie and Karen
Tufts know what works and
they certainly know what works
best for their team of agents and clients
at Coldwell Banker Team Real Estate,
based at 778 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.
This privately owned real estate
agency prides itself on being able to donate time and money to support the local community. The ability to make decisions independently has been a huge
benefit in how they run their business
and in how quickly they can decide to
offer their support.
Coldwell Banker offers all real estate services: ocean front, regular residential, vacation homes, counseling on
negotiating transactions from the idea
to the closing. They also provide their
clients relocating information on the
new area, including everything from
recreational opportunities, schools or
where the nearest pediatrician is. These
agents invest a lot of time and a considerable amount of money in their clients,
which is what Tufts believes has made
all the difference. Even in a tough economy and an even tougher market, these
agents have succeeded and done so with
a smile.
One of the biggest challenges Coldwell Banker faces is making people
aware that they can expect more of their
Favorite
Real Estate
Agency
1. Coldwell Banker
Team Real Estate
2. ERA Today
Honorable Mention:
Marketing Maine Real Estate,
Butts Financial Group
real estate agent and actually get it.
They instituted a platinum standard of
service and continue to provide a high
level of service and get the word out that
it’s this kind of hard work and effort that
everyone should expect of their real estate agency.
ERA Today has locations in Windham and Naples, helping clients with all
their residential, commercial and waterfront real estate needs. Their willingness
to help and a dedication to serving the
local community is why they came in at
number two on our list.
— Leanne Ouimet
CHARLIE’S DINER Charlie's
Rich Plaza
778 Roosevelt Trail • Windham, ME
207-893-1115
Thank you for
Voting for us!
Thanks for voting for us!
Mon-Fri at 7am,
Serving Breakfast and Lunch OpenSat-Sun
at 6am
All You Can Eat Fish / Shrimp Fry
Friday Nights 4-8pm – Now Available 2 Ways:
Fried Haddock or Shrimp for $ .95
$ 95
Combo – Fried Haddock and Shrimp for
9
11.
Both Options Served with Mashed or Fries, Slaw & Dinner Roll.
Desserts available, but not included.
1557 Bridgton Road • Westbrook, Maine
854-0048
Now Accepting Credit Cards
BYOB!
Slam
2 buttermilk pancakes,
2 eggs, and 2 bacon
or 2 sausage
(no substitutions)
2
$ 99
Available
Monday-Friday
From 7 am
Until 10 am
(Beer or Wine)
Thank you for recognizing our dedication to our valued
customers and continuing to support our ongoing
community projects. A special thank you for your
ongoing support as we continue to help keep the
dreams alive for the special children
and families of camp sunshine.
844 Roosevelt Trail, Windham • 892-1700
Thank you to everyone who voted for Pat’s Pizza!
Independent Business Awards 2009
Page 5
Hospitality meets great taste at Stone Dog Café
J
udging only by the taste of the cutabove-the-rest breakfast offered at
first-place finisher Stone Dog Café,
you would expect to be eating at a highend expensive restaurant in the Old
Port, yet the price and the atmosphere
is far from it. Owner Jeff Graham greets
customers as they walk through the door
and even takes a seat at a table to talk
with his regulars. Stone Dog is an inviting café with favorites like its signature
corned beef hash, the lobster benedict,
their vegetarian options and morning
mimosas.
Favorite
Hardware Store
1. Aubuchon Hardware
2. Home Depot
Honorable Mention:
Cook’s Ace Hardware, Gray True Value
Favorite Place
To Go Skiing
1. Shawnee Peak
2. Sunday River
Honorable Mention:
Sugarloaf, Lost Valley Ski Area
61 Tandberg Trail
Windham, ME
“We aren’t your typical breakfast
fair in this area,” said Graham. “The
product we use, such as our ham, bacon
and corned beef is a step above. None
of our ingredients are pre-cooked; everything we make is from scratch.” My
create-your-own omelet was packed
with Swiss cheese, broccoli, tomatoes,
and thick pieces of cut up bacon. Full
flavored, fresh ingredients made every
bite satisfying.
Personally, I can see why the Stone
Dog Café has so many returning customers and why it was voted favorite
breakfast. Located on Route 302 in
Windham, Stone Dog serves breakfast
through the lunch hour, offers a lunch
menu and during the winter months,
and on Fridays and Saturdays features
an all-you-can-eat turkey and roast beef
dinners with all the trimmings. Our
second-place winner in the breakfast
category is Chute’s Cafe, which serves
hearty home-cooked breakfasts. Their
house favorite is the eggs benedict and
their homemade pastries and muffins
are always a good menu choice.
— Frankee Chapa
Favorite
Breakfast
1. Stone Dog Cafe
2. Chutes Café
Honorable Mention:
Danielle’s Sebago Diner,
Charlie’s Diner, Mister Bagel,
Maine Bean Bakehouse and Deli
Charlie Beiggs’ burgers are best of the bunch
T
he key to offering the perfect
burger menu, according to Charlie Beiggs co-owner Tony Barner, is to create offerings that are creative
and will stand out, but “you don’t want
to get too crazy,” he said.
It appears as if the popular eatery,
which took first or second place in several categories this year, has managed to
walk that fine line to perfection based on
voters’ responses.
The fire station theme that you can
find elsewhere in the restaurant is present
here, as each burger in the “Flame Grilled
Firehouse Burgers” menu is a reference to
firefighting and most make perfect sense.
For instance, the Three Alarm is one for
fans of spicy food as it’s served with jalapenos, pepperjack cheese and buffalo sauce
and the False Alarm is actually a vegetar-
Thank
You
ian black bean burger with lettuce and tomato. With the exception of the crabmeat
topped The Chief, all of the burgers run
between $7.99 and $9.99.
As for The Chief, Barner said he’s
only seen the “surf and turf” burger at
one other restaurant in Florida.
“People really like seafood around
here so we thought we’d put the two together,” he said.
All of Charlie Beiggs burgers come
with a choice of French fries, cole slaw
or pasta salad. For a small additional
fee, bacon mushrooms and onions can
be added to any burger.
On a personal note, I urge anyone
wanting to try something other than the
traditional Boody’s Corner burger, but a
little nervous to get too creative to give
The Auxiliary a shot. With red peppers,
Favorite
Burger and Fries
1. Charlie Beiggs
2. McDonald’s
Honorable Mention:
Thatcher’s Restaurant, Wendy’s,
Applebee’s, Dairy Queen,
The Landing Restaurant
fried onion strips and melted provolone,
it’s a perfect blend of tastes and textures
for people like me who aren’t the most
adventurous gourmets, but still want
something beyond run-of-the-mill fare.
You can’t go wrong here.
— Joshua Shea
Danielle’s
Sebago Diner
Route 302 • Raymond
Monday - Saturday 6AM to 2PM • Sundays 6AM to 1PM
www.gilbertschowderhouse.com
Thank you for
all your support!
21st Century
Thank you for 49 years of business!
We appreciate your vote!
893-0700
To Everyone Who
Voted for Gilberts!!
FAMILY
FITNESS
CENTERS
Route 302, Windham • (Behind Domino’s Pizza)
892-3231
Thank you for Voting for Us! We appreciate your business!
HALL IMPLEMENT CO.
Jct. 202 & 302 • At the Rotary in Windham
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE ™
892-6894
Mon-Fri 7:00-5:00, Sat 7:30-12:00
www.hallimplementco.com
Page 6
Independent Business Awards 2009
Hoggy’s Market proves business Customer service is
and family can successfully mix the only product at
Q
uality at a fair price is why Mark
Hoglund believes he has earned
the title of Favorite Family
Owned Business. The Hoglund family has
dedicated their lives to their locally owned
business and giving back to the community through the Windham Food Pantry and
various Windham youth groups.
Winter time is one of the biggest
challenges Hoggy’s Market faces. Bad
weather and a slow market have hurt
many local businesses. Companies usually resolve that by firing workers, cutting cost, compromising on quality ingredients or shortening hours but this is
where Hoglund’s philosophy differs.
Hoggy’s has always stood as a notfor-high-profit driven business. Hoglund
believes in keeping his employees happy
by remaining open without cutting shifts,
even though it’s not necessary, and keeping money in his employees’ pockets.
Hoglund hopes to keep his business
philosophy and expand in the future
with other locations. He plans to hand
this business down to the next generation as a quality family-owned business
and this area’s hometown meat market.
Hoggy’s also took second place for
favorite Italian sandwich, with their
regular Italian starting at $2.29. Sandwiches and salads are only made using
the freshest ingredients and the meat is
ground daily, cut on site.
— Jennifer McFarlane
Favorite
Family Owned
Business
1. Hoggy’s Market
2. Lee’s Family Trailer
Sales and Services
Honorable Mention:
Hall Implements, Basso’s Italian Market
Corsetti’s Variety
C
orsetti’s Variety, located at the
intersection of Route 202 and
Windham Center Road, has
been serving the Windham community
for more than two decades.
Co-owners Donato Corsetti and his
wife, Belinda, purchased the original
building, which was built in the 1800s,
in 1980. They ran the business from this
location until an electrical fire destroyed
the structure in August of 1998. In the
spring of 1999, the Corsetti family reopened the business in a newly-constructed building located on the same
lot as the old building.
The new building featured a much
more open layout, including a kitchen
that is fully visible to customers; an expanded walk-in refrigeration unit, which
allows for a greater variety of soft drinks,
dairy products and spirits; a much larger
pizza oven; as well as booths for patrons
to sit at and enjoy a meal, or a cup of
coffee and conversation.
“We are very community-oriented,”
said Donato, “regular customers gather
here every day to socialize.”
While Corsetti’s Variety offers up
what you would expect from any convenience store – soft drinks, snacks, bread,
milk and other grocery items – they also
Favorite Variety Store
1. Corsetti’s Variety
2. Thayer’s Store
Honorable Mention:
Puffin Stop, Highland Variety
have a full menu which includes Italian
sandwiches, burgers, steak sandwiches,
fried foods, pizza and much more.
Over the years, Corsetti’s has offered something other than food to many
young people in the community: a job.
“We have a long-standing tradition of
local high school students getting their
first job at the store. It’s sort of a rite of
passage,” said Donato. And Donato and
Belinda’s two children are no exception.
“This is a family-owned business,” he
said, “Dimitra and Giovan started helping Belinda and I out here when they
were tall enough to reach the counter.”
But when it comes down to it, the
focus of the business revolves around
one thing. “We try and make our customers feel welcomed here,” said Donato. “Customer service is the only
product we sell.”
— Corey Gilding
Thanks for your vote
for “Favorite
Burger and Fries”
Happy Hours from 3-5pm Mon-Fri
and 9-Close Nights and Weekends
Super Bo
wl
Game
Specials
New Large Screen TVs
$1.99 Select Pints!
Rock Band, Wii Games
and Prizes!
Open until Midnight
Coming the February:
Trivia Night with Bob
1 Amato Drive, Windham • 892-3574
Thank you
for all the
local
support!
Route 302
Windham, Me
893-2882
Don’t forget we’re open all year
Visit Our Fresh Seafood Market
Come join us for lunch or dinner
Daily lunch specials starting at $6.95
Try our new baked haddock & scallop dinners
777 Roosevelt Trail
North Windham
(207) 892-3909
Brett Needham (store manager) and
the entire North Windham Aubuchon
Hardware Team appreciates your
business and thanks you for choosing
us among your favorite hardware
stores in the area.
Independent Business Awards 2009
Page 7
Family Fitness: A gym that It’s all about customer service
meets everybody’s needs at Blossoms of Windham
A
s a former college athlete, I know
what it’s like to go to the gym
and be surrounded by football
players whose bicep curls contain more
weight than my bench press. It can be a
little intimidating and is the reason why I
truly appreciate Family Fitness Center in
Windham, our first place business in the
Favorite Place to Work Out category.
Their women’s only gym provides
a place for me to lift weights and use
cardio machines without feeling a little
inadequate about my routine. The women’s only gym is just a small sliver of the
offerings at Family Fitness. The regular gym provides an array of cardio and
weight machines, as well as free weights.
Personal training sessions and nutrition
programs are always available.
Family Fitness also has saunas, tanning, and babysitting on site. Seniors can
take part in the Silver Sneakers program,
which encourages a physically active
healthy life style. There is a wide selection of group fitness classes offered both
morning and afternoon, including the
I
Favorite Place
To Work Out
1. 21st Century Family
Fitness Center
2. Planet Fitness
well-attended Cardio Kickboxing, Step
Ultimate, Yoga, and Zumba classes.
General Manager John Booth says
that the “excellent experienced staff
and family friendly atmosphere” really
make the gym standout.
Second place gym, Planet Fitness,
also offers a variety of cardio and weight
machines. Members have television sets
attached to each cardio machine, helping to make those tough workouts a
little easier to get through. Planet Fitness’ slogan, a “Judgment Free Zone”
encourages all types of patrons.
— Frankee Chapa
Best
2. Gorham Savings Bank
Customer Service
Honorable Mention:
Windham Automotive,
Mills and Co., Bob the Screen Printer,
Sonny’s Outboard Service, Blue Burrito
1. Bob’s Seafood
sat with Dwayne Harris, owner of
Blossoms of Windham and asked
him what makes Blossoms of Windham different than other flower companies in the area. His answer was customer service.
He commended Windham local
Debbie Emerson as the driving force
behind customer service by answering
phones and helping with wedding and
funeral arrangement planning. He said
Emerson helps simplify details, making
the customer’s ideas come to life.
Blossoms of Windham prides themselves on working with any budget
without pressure.
Harris explained, “If someone only
has $30 for an arrangement or bouquet,
we’ll make the best arrangement for the
money.”
Their most popular items right now
are a dozen color roses for $15 and Teleflora, available on their web site www.
blossomsofwindham.com. They also
specialize in wedding and funeral planning.
Harris described the struggles of
starting a new business in the middle
of a market going through a downward
spiral as challenging, to say the least.
After working for years under other
flower shops, he made the decision to
set up shop in Windham. The first step
was updating the image of the shop by
Favorite
Flower Shop
1. Blossoms
2. Studio Flora
Honorable Mention:
Shaw’s Supermarket
changing the décor, adding product lines
and making customer service a priority.
“I’ve been told if I can make it
through January, I’ll be all set,” Harris
said with a laugh.
I asked him what he saw for the future for Blossoms and he replied, “I see
us growing and becoming the community’s local flower shop.”
— Jennifer McFarlane
76 Tandberg Trail, Windham ME 04062 892-8100
Windham’s
Top Listing
Agency
www.ERATodayRealty.com
“Real Estate is Local”
TODAY REALTY
Considering a career
in real estate?
Check our web site for
upcoming real estate
agent courses.
www.ERATodayRealty.com
Sell Your Home with One of Our Top Real Estate Professionals!
Always There
For You®
Dan Avery
751-8055
Todd Harvey
650-3750
Gerry Brown
408-6462
Alice Hemingway
831-8986
Wayne Roma
650-0362
Laurie Chamagne
838-0037
Linda Hunt
651-9722
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749-7640
www.ERATodayRealty.com
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712-7803
Brian Shedlarski
653-9195
Ask us about our great programs
to aid in selling your home:
• Seller Security Program
• Gold Star Program
• ERA Home Warranty
Joe Ciccone
650-0761
Kristal �ecteau
671-9712
Lisa MacDonald
310-8372
Larry Simpson
787-2300
Peter �orbes
939-1616
Lisa Martin
837-8020
Eva Sommer
595-0856
Arline �oster
671-0957
Rhonda Mitchell
831-7791
Rick Strout
310-8517
Charles �ox
592-1388
Beth Neault
332-2888
Wayne Syphers
749-5444
Carolyn Nilsen
755-5060
Courtney Toole
318-0368
To view all Maine Listings or to learn
more about joining our team, visit
our full-service web site
www.ERATodayRealty.com
Debbie �urlong
807-1536
Ree Gonzalez
332-3945
Tim Nolan
838-9435
Van Wilkerson
318-9945
Darryl Harvey
653-1389
Sue Paige
749-5459
Carol Woodman
318-4675
Kathleen Popovic
838-1622
Julie Davis
838-0240
Contact us today to
learn more about the
tax credits available for
home buyers before
they expire!
www.ERATodayRealty.com
Page 8
Independent Business Awards 2009
Birchwood a favorite
Ebys take top spot
for favorite mechanic place to send the tykes
N
ineteen years ago, Julie and Ron
Eby opened Windham Automotive on School Street right near
Town Hall in Windham. Their small
auto mechanic shop grew to become a
larger, well-respected business, eventually moving to it’s current location on
Route 302. The quality work and reputation has paid off as Windham Automotive received first place in our Favorite
Mechanic category this year.
Offering everything from the simple
oil change to the more technical alignments and computer repair, Windham
Automotive has the tools to fix even the
most difficult of auto problems. With a
large number of loyal customers, Windham Automotive is dedicated to customer service, offering quality work while
maintaining a personal connection with
its customers.
Owner Ron Eby is happy his business can “share our knowledge and
abilities of a highly technical and complicated industry while still making customers feel like family.”
Eby is well known for not only for
his business, but the community service
Favorite Landscaper
1. Sebago Gardens
Favorite
Mechanic
1. Windham Automotive
2. Gorman’s Automotive
Honorable Mention:
G & K Motors, Moore’s Motor Carriage,
Horsepower Auto, Eastup Automotive
he provides, collecting money for Camp
Sunshine through Summerfest and other
fundraisers, putting together Christmas
and Thanksgiving food baskets for local
families in need, and sponsoring Little
League baseball and youth soccer teams.
Eby recently received the 2009 Community Service Leadership Award from the
Sebago Lake Chamber of Commerce
in recognition for his dedication to the
community.
Runners up, Gorman’s Automotive
is a small family run shop also known
for quality customer service and mechanic repair.
— Frankee Chapa
2. Roosevelt Trail Nursery
Honorable Mention:
P.R. Webster Landscaping,
Cutter’s Edge Lawn Maintenance
B
irchwood Day Nursery School
has truly stood the test of time,
having been around for over 30
years and at their current location at
1003 River Road for the last 21 years.
Director Connie DiBiase said the key to
keeping the doors open and providing
quality child care to so many families
has been the parents themselves.
“We all just love it and enjoy children,” DiBiase said. “Every group that
comes in is just as much fun.”
Birchwood provides morning and
after-school care for about 100 children,
ranging in age from preschool to fourth
grade. While they don’t all come at the
same time, they do all benefit from the
great education and care the Birchwood
staff provides every single day.
The preschool program helps prepare youngsters for their first day of kindergarten, complete with guest speakers
to expand on certain topics and parents
have even been known to stop by to
demonstrate what they do in the community.
For the older kids, a safe place to
go afterschool is what Birchwood is all
about. Whether it’s helping one student
with homework or organizing a fun game
for a group to play, the Birchwood staff
handles it all and makes sure everyone
is content and happy by the time parents
come and it’s time to head home.
Favorite
Daycare
1. Birchwood Day
Nursery School
2. Smart Start Child Care Center
Honorable Mention:
Fiddlehead Center for the Arts and
Sciences, A Joyful Noise Christian
Daycare, A Child’s World Preschool
and Care Center
Birchwood is nationally accredited
through the National Association for the
Education of Young Children, completing the necessary requirements in May
of 2009.
“It just says we go above and beyond what the state expects because we
feel the children deserve it,” DiBiase
said.
Not to be forgotten, second-place
finisher Smart Start Child Care provides quality, affordable childcare for
the greater Windham community while
keeping things affordable and giving
each child the attention he or she disserves.
— Leanne Ouimet
CORSETTI’S
Route 202, Windham
892-6291
Sunday Night
Pizza Special
14” Cheese Pizza 5 - 8 p.m.
Only $5!
Thanks To
Everyone
Who Voted
For Us!
Independent Business Awards 2009
THANK YOU
TO ALL!
754 Roosevelt Trail, Windham
892-8595
MONDAYS
2 Boody’s Corner
Burger Platters $11.99
WEDNESDAYS
Return of
Pasta la Vista
EVERYDAY
Happy Hour
Drink and Food
Specials 3-6pm
EARLY BIRDS
Charlie Beiggs, located in the
original Windham Fire Station,
has been a part of the
Windham community for over
24 years. A casual
atmosphere with firehouse
memories all around, great
service and food…Charlie
Beiggs…a Windham tradition.
Winter Special Events!
Valentine’s Weekend
Dinner for two specials. Register for a special Valentine’s
package at our place and Studio Flora! Win flowers to
be delivered to your table, plus a gift card for dinner!
February 16th – FAT TUESDAY
Mardi Gras in Windham! New Orleans food,
drink, and live Dixieland music!
Reserve your spot for the fun and festivities!
March 3rd – Beer Tasting Dinner
We have partnered with Sebago Brewery to present
the finest beer and food pairings for your pleasure.
March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Irish food, drink, and live music.
Mon-Thu 4-6pm
Sundays 11am-4pm
April (TBA) – Fundraiser for Maine Cancer Ctr.
WEEKDAY
LUNCH SPECIALS
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for
upcoming events and special discounts.
$6.99
Live music, auction, and great fun!
AND MORE!
Discounts for skiers, students, faculty, seniors and more.
Check out our website for details! www.charliebeiggs.us
Page 9
Page 10
Independent Business Awards 2009
Ice Cream Dugout
Takeout well worth the trip hits a homerun
Bob’s Seafood:
I
t’s no question that what ranks high
in importance for everyone at Bob’s
Seafood is the quality of seafood
served, always with prompt and friendly
service. This family-owned and operated
restaurant has been providing some of
the freshest seafood around to area residents and beyond since it first opened in
Windham in June of 2002. Whether you
decide to eat in and soak up the rustic
feel of the décor (and not to mention lots
of butter for your lobsters) or take out,
you surely won’t be disappointed.
Not only does Bob’s Seafood have
a great takeout menu, the actual meal
can’t be beat, as they cook each dish
with perfection. They always keep their
customers’ taste buds in mind, and provide them with above and beyond service. Don’t forget when ordering your
lobsters to go, a simple call will get your
lobsters cooked ahead of time free of
charge.
Favorite
Takeout
1. Bob’s Seafood
2. The Good Life Market
Honorable Mention:
China Taste, The Grotto, Corsetti’s
Variety, Green Leaf Buffet, Cui Ming
Bob’s, which calls itself the “total
seafood store” sells an assortment of
fresh sea products from our own Maine
coast, and specializes in lobsters, clams,
oysters, shrimp and chowders, just to
name a few. Make sure to try the Fish
Tacos, served up with a heaping portion
of baked haddock, coleslaw and cheese,
a unique but delicious menu item sure to
have you coming back for more.
— Leanne Ouimet
Pat’s Pizza toppings offer
something for everyone
W
hen you pull into the parking
lot at Pat’s Pizza on Roosevelt Trail in Windham, that
delicious aroma entices you through
the door. Inside the buzz of families
and friends is punctuated by the sounds
from the kitchen as busy cooks toss pie
after pie into the oven. After your first
bite, you’ll know why Pat’s Pizza was
voted best pizza. The flavors are rich
and powerful, with unconventional
vegetables given as much respect as
the traditional pepperoni. The specialty
pizza menu is extensive and invites the
customers to try different cheeses, such
as feta, cheddar, or provolone, on their
pies. It incorporates grilled meats with
cured artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. The menu also boasts a number
of different types of crust available, including wheat for the health-conscious,
or double-dough for those seeking a
hearty meal.
The first Pat’s Pizza opened in Orono
Favorite
Pizza
T
roy Locke, co-owner of The
Ice Cream Dugout along with
his wife Tammy, said the idea
for this new business came to him in a
dream and what a dream it was. Beginning with a unique twist on typical ice
cream sizes, the bunt, single, double
and triple, The Ice Cream Dugout hit
a home run.
It just isn’t summer without the
sounds of a baseball game echoing
through the house and a trail of cold ice
cream running down your chin and you
can find both at The Ice Cream Dugout, along with plenty of seats for the
entire family. This local favorite serves
up Shain’s of Maine brand ice cream
but puts a creative spin on the flavors.
Locke’s Red Sox pride is found throughout the menu in concoctions such as The
Yankee Sucker frappe, the Strawberry
Youk-ilicious, (after first baseman Kevin Youkilis), and The Apple Papelbon,
after reliever Jonathan Papelbon. One
of the more popular items is called the
Fudgy Pudge Fisk, a brownie sundae,
and the Coconut Crisp as well.
It’s not rare for the Ice Cream Dugout to serve hundreds of customers on
their opening day, which coincides
with the opening day of Major League
Baseball. But with a TV mounted on an
outside wall, they don’t have to worry
about missing the big game or key play.
Favorite
Ice Cream
1. Ice Cream Dugout
2. Dairy Queen
Honorable Mention:
Beals Ice Cream, The Mosquito
Troy Locke, co-owner of The Ice Cream
Dugout. File photo
With a full menu including lunch
and dinner options, along with tasty
treats, it’s no surprise Dairy Queen made
it on our list as well. Dairy Queen also
offers adults and kids alike a variety of
ice cream cakes for all occasions and
has even partnered with local schools to
support education and reading.
— Leanne Ouimet
1. Pat’s Pizza
2. Rose’s Old World Restaurant
Honorable Mention:
The Grotto, Pizza Hut,
Corsetti’s Variety, Highland Variety
in 1931 as the Farnsworth Café. The owner, Pat Farnsworth, added his family-recipe pizza to his menu in 1953, and it was an
instant hit. The restaurant quickly became
known as the place to go for pizza. Since
then, the small chain has expanded, with
locations all over the state, including the
location in North Windham.
Rose’s Old World Restaurant, also
on Roosevelt Trail in Windham, won
second place for best pizza.
— Emily Parkhurst
826 Roosevelt Trail • Windham • 892-3630
Open Daily 7-2, Ser ving Breakfast and Lunch all Day
Thanks For Your Continued Support!
All You Can Eat Roast Beef & Turkey Dinner!
Smothered in gravy and served with...
Mashed Potato • Herb Stuffing • Fresh Vegetable
Cranberry • Dinner Rolls
$10.95 per person (Roast Beef $11.95) Beer & Wine Available • Homemade Desserts
Every Friday & Saturday Evening, 5-8pm
Beginning January 22nd
SMART
child and family services
86 Tandberg Trail
Route 115, Windham
SMART START Child Care and Preschool would like
to thank the community for voting us one of the top
two day cares in the Windham area! If you are looking
for quality, affordable care for your child ages 2-6,
consider our state licensed facility. Visit our website at
www.smartcfs.org or call 838-5437 for more
information. $155 per week includes a nutritious lunch
and two snacks. Our teachers have years of education
and experience, providing a child centered curriculum
encouraging academics, socialization
and primary school readiness.
Enroll your child now and receive a FREE WEEK
of child care after two months of attendance!
Independent Business Awards 2009
Page 11
Hannaford wins favorite
place to get groceries
W
Smiling Hill Farm keeps
a smile on locals’ faces
S
miling Hill Farm in Westbrook is
more than just milk in old-timey
glass bottles. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers know it’s the place
to go for beautiful trails. Ice cream enthusiasts know it’s the place to go for
that sweet summer treat. And those
with children know the farm tours, duck
pond, and other scheduled activities
throughout the year are a great way to
spend an afternoon.
But the farm, which has been in the
Knight family since the 1700s, is known
for its milk. The farm makes use of glass
bottles, which, when returned to the
farm, are cleaned and reused in an effort
to reduce the waste caused by plastic or
paper cartons. The farm also refuses to
use chemical fertilizers on its fields.
The Silvery Moon Creamery, an
award-winning artisan cheese manufacturer, has been a vital part of the Smiling Hill community since June 2003,
when cheesemaker Jennifer Betancourt
Favorite
Farm
1. Smiling Hill Farm
2. Windy Hill Farm
Honorable Mention:
Thompson’s Orchard,
Hawkes Farm Stand
joined in a partnership with the farm.
The cheese is made with Smiling Hill
milk and has consistently won awards
at the annual American Cheese Society
Competition.
Windy Hill Farm, a favorite spot
to pick up locally raised beef and pork,
won second place for the best farm. The
farm, owned by Ron and Linda Winship, offers a small farm market located
on River Road in Windham.
— Emily Parkhurst
ith a new supermarket in
Gray and the ever-popular large market in North
Windham, it’s no surprise that Hannaford won the most votes for best
supermarket.
In 1996, the supermarket chain,
which was known for years as Shop n’
Save, changed its name on nearly all the
stores to Hannaford. In 1999 the company joined international supermarket
giant Delhaize, out of Belgium, and became the fifth largest supermarket chain
in the country. Since then, the company
has continued to expand, with the new
store in Gray a prime example of the
company’s success.
Inside the store, fresh fruits and
vegetables greet customers as they walk
through the doors. The company’s line
of Natures Place Organic products have
been very popular as interest in organic
foods grows, and the new Guiding Stars
programs helps customers make healthier decisions about what to buy. The new
Taste of Inspiration line of products is
the company’s forge into gourmet items
Favorite
Happy Hour
1. Charlie Beiggs
Favorite
Place To
Get Groceries
1. Hannaford
2. Shaw’s
Honorable Mention:
Gray Marketplace,
Lakes Region Farmers Market
such as mango salsa, crème brulee, and
spinach-artichoke dip. However, the
tried and true Hannaford brand products, customer service, and convenient
locations keep customers coming back
to fill their pantries, and maybe try some
new flavors as well.
Shaw’s won second place for best
supermarket.
— Emily Parkhurst
2. Thatcher’s
Honorable Mention:
The Landing,
Club 302,
Gilbert’s Chowder House
Lee’s
Family Trailer
Friendliest Staff in the Industry with over 150 years of Comibined Service!!!
would like to thank everyone who
voted and participated in the 2009
Independent
Thank you to those who voted for us as
your “Favorite Family Owned Business”
and for recognizing Sheri Huff as one of
your Local Business Heroes!
480 Roosevelt Trail Route 302
Windham, ME • 892-8308
Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Saturdays 8am-3pm
Closed on Sundays
www.leesfamilytrailer.com
BUSINESS
AWARDS
Look for the 2010 awards
this time next year