According to Huber’s Market owner Kyle Yacoben, crews are set to begin the process of reconstructing the venerable Wiscasset store within a “couple of weeks.”
“I’m still wading through the insurance process but things are starting to pick up,” said Yacoben.
The store was victimized by a burglary and subsequent fire during a late holiday storm on Dec. 26 that was later ruled arson by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire severely damaged the building’s basement and caused extensive equipment destruction, Yacoben said.
The thieves stole an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register and rifled through an office safe, with no apparent luck, he said.
As of Jan. 19, the Wiscasset Police Dept. reported some movement on the case but could not elaborate due to the ongoing investigation. In addition to the loss of revenue, 10 employees of Huber’s suddenly found themselves unemployed, a financial loss with which Yacoben has been trying to help.
“These are not just my employees, these are my friends. We’ve really become a family over the years,” he said.
Yacoben hopes he will be able to retain some or most of his former workers but understands the need for many to move on. If all goes well, Yacoben is pointing to an early spring re-opening as a feasible target.
“We’re anxious and hope to get back to normal soon,” Yacoben said.
For the construction, he is planning to hire local crews, an appreciative nod to his long-time customers who have helped build the 60-year-old market into a local institution.
January would have marked his fourth year of ownership, an anniversary that will have to wait, he said.
“We’re determined and appreciate all the people who have given their support,” Yacoben said.
