Elijah and Carol Curtis own Mr. Ribs, a new barbecue stand in Damariscotta. (Johanna Neeson photo)
Mr. Ribs, a new Southern-style barbecue spot at 603 Main St. in Damariscotta, sold out three hours before closing time during its grand opening, Saturday, June 2.
“It’s a family affair,” said Carol Curtis, who owns and operates Mr. Ribs with her husband, Elijah Curtis. They also work with their 13-year-old granddaughter, Orianna Barton, to make South Carolina-style favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and, of course, ribs.
Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Mr. Ribs also offers a kids menu with hot dogs and chips, and a 20 percent senior discount on Tuesday.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Mr. Ribs has a barbecue chicken special. The business hopes to add soups and seafood later in the year. Customers can eat at picnic tables outdoors or order food to go.
Elijah Curtis prepares a daily special at Mr. Ribs. (Johanna Neeson photo)
Chef Elijah Curtis had seen restaurants come and go for years in the same spot on Main Street, just beyond Great Salt Bay Community School, before deciding the location held the perfect opportunity to open his own restaurant with his family.
Curtis was the chef at Hodgdon Green in Damariscotta for several years. He worked in South Carolina, New York, and Georgia before settling in Damariscotta.
Opening day saw over a hundred orders at Mr. Ribs and included a raffle of a gift certificate to thank the community for its support.
Mr. Ribs plans to stay open until the end of November and reopen in May 2019.
