MADAWASKA, Maine — A brewpub built in a former land port of entry connecting the United States and Canada will open later this year, its owners said.
Owners Eli Cayer and Jason Dionne are still working with the state to implement a unique public offering funding model, in which shares are sold to community members.
While they originally hoped to open in time for Madawaska’s annual Acadian Festival, they are navigating some unique roadblocks that are affecting their timeline. Using crowdfunding to build a brewpub from the ground up is rare in Maine, and ended up being more complicated than they anticipated.
They are working with the state on details, they said in an update on social media earlier this week.
“We have been very busy behind the scenes and making great progress, both in the space as well as finding the equipment needed for the kitchen and brewery,” Cayer and Dionne said in the post.
With construction costing roughly $500,000, they hope to sell 500 shares at $1,000 each and to return 50% of profits each year after expenses.
The pub’s location is just as unique as its funding model. The federal government put the land port of entry up for auction last August. This led to a bidding war that went on for months until the property finally sold on Dec. 30 for $173,000.
If the funding works, then the brewpub would make profits from the start without any debt. The owners will consider loans if the funding model does not cover the costs.
Like the community-based funding model, the owners hope the brewpub becomes a space for the greater community, offering workshops, beer tastings and members’ nights.
And just as the former port once connected the United States and Canada, the business owners also come from both countries. Cayer lives in Portland and Dionne lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Both grew up in Madawaska and have years of experience working in the brewing industry.
Neither had thought about bringing a brewpub to Madawaska, but Cayer was inspired after learning that his uncle — Grand Isle artist Dan Cayer — was leading an effort to create a massive Acadian star model out of the former international bridge. He called up Dionne shortly after learning the former Customs building was going up for auction.
“Huge thanks to everyone who’s been helping out, including the town of Madawaska and staff,” the business’s post concluded. “You are all amazing!”