By Maia Zewert
Contractors install new siding at Yellowfront Grocery in Damariscotta Thursday, Nov. 19. Co-owner Jeff Pierce said renovations began earlier this month and are expected to continue until Christmas. (Maia Zewert photo) |
Damariscotta’s Yellowfront Grocery is receiving a bit of sprucing up just in time for the holidays.
Co-owner Jeff Pierce said he had considered updating the appearance of the store for a while.
“In May, our lease was up for renewal, so I approached our landlord about the possibility of doing some updates to the building,” Pierce said.
The renovations include “modernizing” the front of the building, Pierce said, including repainting the Yellowfront Grocery sign and installing new windows, doors, and siding. The gray sides of the building will be changed to green.
The open walkway outside the store will be enclosed, Pierce said. The space will be heated and will continue to house the store’s shopping carts, which will prevent the carts from rusting, Pierce said.
Pierce said the renovations will give him more space and allow him to expand his dairy selection and offer more organic produce. He hopes to add more products in the spring.
The First is financing the project, which is being supervised by George Faux, of Newcastle. Pierce said the subcontractors are all from the area.
“We’re all about keeping the money local and hiring local people for the job,” Pierce said.
The store will maintain regular business hours as the renovations continue. The plan is to have the project wrapped up by Christmas.
Pierce said customers have had positive reactions to the changes to the store.
“Everyone has been really excited about it for us, and been really appreciative of the changes we’ve been making,” Pierce said. “We’ll have more room, more products, and we’re just making it even easier to shop here.”
