By J.W. Oliver
Scott Libby poses with his daughter, Claire, 5, and a new sign for The Bottle King Redemption Center outside the Damariscotta location Friday, Oct. 24. Libby, of New Harbor, purchased the Damariscotta and Newcastle locations of Hilltop Stop Redemption Center. (J.W. Oliver photo) |
A New Harbor man has purchased both locations of Hilltop Stop Redemption Center and renamed the business The Bottle King.
Scott Libby bought the business from Gary and Jane Gravel, of Damariscotta, owners of the Damariscotta and Newcastle redemption centers since November 2013.
Libby has a background in children’s case management. “I was looking to own my own business,” Libby said, adding he first considered businesses elsewhere in the
state.
During his search, Libby would come into the Gravels’ convenience store, Hilltop Stop, and discuss his progress with Gary and Jane Gravel. “He was a customer of
ours,” Jane Gravel said.
The Gravels recently decided to sell the redemption centers to focus on their other enterprises, including Hilltop Stop, Supplies Unlimited, and a new project in the
works for the old Cottage Gardens property on Church Street.
“Scott came to mind and I approached Scott and asked him if he’d be interested in buying the redemption centers,” Gary Gravel said.
Libby worked at the redemption centers for a few months to give it a try. He took over the Damariscotta location Monday, Oct. 27. The Newcastle location closed
Saturday, Oct. 25 and will reopen as The Bottle King Saturday, Nov. 1.
Libby will manage the business. His wife, Sarah Libby, will assist with finances and other behind-the-scenes tasks. The redemption centers employ one part-time and
four full-time employees during the offseason and several more during the summer.
The Bottle King will continue to accept donations of returnables to benefit area nonprofits and sports teams and will continue to offer pickup service for high-
volume customers like restaurants and schools.
The Damariscotta location will pay cash only and will no longer issue slips for cash or credit at Hilltop Stop.
The redemption centers will keep the same hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week at both locations: 55 Chapman St. in Damariscotta and 116 Mills Rd. in Newcastle.
The centers are closed Wednesday and Sunday.
For more information, call 350-7651 to reach the Damariscotta location or 563-1520 to reach Newcastle.
