Nearly a year after a devastating fire first closed the local landmark, Huber’s Market reopened with a joyous ribbon cutting ceremony on Rt. 1 in Wiscasset Dec. 13.
Wiscasset Board of Selectmen chair Judy Colby led the ceremonies. Reading from prepared remarks, Colby praised Huber’s commitment to the Wiscasset community and expressed the loss many in Wiscasset felt when the store was forced to close in December 2010.
“Huber’s Market has been an important part of the Wiscasset community since 1965 [sic], providing delicious foods to their patrons and many young people an opportunity for a first job,” Colby said.
“It was a huge setback for the community when a fire destroyed much of the store last December…many dedicated customers missing Huber’s delectable sandwiches and pizza can now enjoy the tasty treats they have been missing,” she said.
Selectmen Bill Curtis, Pam Dunning, and David Nichols also participated in the ceremony along with Town Planner Misty Gorski. Huber’s Market owner Kyle Yacoben cut the ribbon.
“It’s been a tough year,” Yacoben said before cutting the red ribbon. “We’re really happy to be back open. Now the real work begins.”
Huber’s was forced to close after a fire devastated the building during a blizzard Dec. 27. Investigators quickly determined the fire had been deliberately set during an apparent burglary.
The night of the fire, the perpetrator(s) ransacked Yacoben’s office and apparently tried and failed to open a safe on the premises. Tobacco, liquor, and other items were believed stolen during the burglary.
Yacoben’s insurance on the building helped recover some of the damages. Yacoben said there was no doubt when the fire occurred that he would try to open again.
At the time of the fire, Yacoben, who had purchased the business from the original owner Gordon Huber in January 2007, was preparing to celebrate his fourth anniversary in business. Huber’s employed 10 full- or part-time employees all of whom were left out of work.
This week Yacoben said some of his former employees have moved on to other opportunities, but the majority will be returning to work at his store.
Huber’s reopens with a new addition to its menu: barbeque. Alongside the store’s trademark pizza and sandwiches, customers can now try out barbeque ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. A homemade Moxie BBQ sauce will be offered with these items.
According to Yacoben, the earthy, root beer-like flavors in Moxie complement the traditional taste of barbeque sauce.
Huber’s Market will be open Sun.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Fri.-Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information call 882-7887.
