Another shakeup on Meredith's Main Street

[Little Bear]

Looks like another potential restaurant spot opening. These people at Lake Life 603 seemingly got dealt a bad hand by the owner of Fifty Five Main (Grimm), so hopefully they can rebound and find another location.

Following is from their Facebook page:

To our amazing customers, friends and family. ♥️
It’s a Grimm day in the Lakes Region by Design our lease has been abruptly ended as of September 30th 2026. The new owners and management company of Fifty Five Main have “different” plans for a space that has been a success, bustling, and full of life for young and old for many years. Most likely yet another food venue will take our place… The great town of Meredith will now have two storefronts side by side empty for the foreseeable future. Not only have we lost our dream store, but we were in the middle of selling the brand, inventory and the store front lease as part of our five year retirement plan. The deal has since been canceled. We will remain in business online, and on the water next spring with our floating store. Now more than ever we need your support. As such, our loss is your gain. We will be offering up to 50% off storewide inventory until we close at the end of September.
We are truly grateful for all of our customers, family and new friends that we have made along our journey. The smiling faces walking in and out of our store will be remembered the most.
We appreciate your support, and hope that you will stop in and say goodbye for now, and see you online and on the lake.
Your friends Andy&Jannell ♥️
www.LakeLife603.com

[Biggd]

The building does need a makeover, and these people seem to have the deep pockets.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Biggd

The building does need a makeover, and these people seem to have the deep pockets.

The deepest.

While I do not know either party, and I feel a bit sorry for the shop owners financially, I do not agree with their criticism. The building should get a makeover, and they already announced that they were retiring from "their dream"

[John Mercier]

How does one sell a lease that can abruptly end?

I understand that Brand and Inventory might have value, but what about a lease with no guarantee?

[Winilyme]

This is has been a unique retailer from others along Meredith Main, so I hate to see them go. I'm not sure what the secret sauce is to having a 'successful Main Street' but is adding another restaurant the answer? A few weeks ago we spent five days in Acadia and a day in Bar Harbor. It's downtown certainly isn't comparable size-wise to Meredith, but it's definitely bustling.

Yet, if Bar Harbor is the epitome of a successful downtown retail environment...then I want nothing to do with it. It's about 50% tee and sweat shirt shops selling the same boring stuff, 20% gift shops showcasing the cheap knickknacks you can find just about anywhere, with the remainder being eateries and, finally, a very few enjoyable unique shops or galleries selling one-of-a-kind art, gifts or crafts. Despite the energy, to me, downtown Bar Harbor is for the most part mind-blowingly boring.

An enjoyable downtown experience should offer a good mix of all the above, nice outdoor areas to walk/sit/eat and occasional entertainment options (think Asheville, NC for example if you've been there).

Meredith has some of these components but is it feasible for the town to aspire to more.

[retired]

Bar Harbor is also a stop for cruise ships. The shops selling souvenirs cater to them. The Mount's stop in Meredith isn't quite the same.

[Swimmer215]

Originally Posted by Winilyme

This is has been a unique retailer from others along Meredith Main, so I hate to see them go. I'm not sure what the secret sauce is to having a 'successful Main Street' but is adding another restaurant the answer? A few weeks ago we spent five days in Acadia and a day in Bar Harbor. It's downtown certainly isn't comparable size-wise to Meredith, but it's definitely bustling.

Yet, if Bar Harbor is the epitome of a successful downtown retail environment...then I want nothing to do with it. It's about 50% tee and sweat shirt shops selling the same boring stuff, 20% gift shops showcasing the cheap knickknacks you can find just about anywhere, with the remainder being eateries and, finally, a very few enjoyable unique shops or galleries selling one-of-a-kind art, gifts or crafts. Despite the energy, to me, downtown Bar Harbor is for the most part mind-blowingly boring.

An enjoyable downtown experience should offer a good mix of all the above, nice outdoor areas to walk/sit/eat and occasional entertainment options (think Asheville, NC for example if you've been there).

Meredith has some of these components but is it feasible for the town to aspire to more.

I know this is an old-ish thread but you're so right about BH! We just came back from there and it really has gotten ruined and crazy-crowded. Very sad, although we still enjoy other parts of MDI and Ellsworth.