By Janice Pompeo of John & Janice Real Estate Team

As self-employed people ourselves (realtors), we have seen the swift impact the current situation has had on those businesses around us on so many levels.  We would like to not speak of the negative but focus on the positive.  We see local businesses around us reopening (with respect to the CDC guidelines) and many patrons so thankful to be able to leave their homes and have interactions with others.

Recently Sebago Brewing, at 616 Main Street Gorham, re-opened their brewery and tasting room.  This was a highly anticipated event for many of the local fans!  They put a large tent up filled with socially distanced tables and chairs on the lawn beyond their already current patio (the tent was provided by Party Time Rentals; another locally owned Gorham business of the Allens located at 25 Elm Street). Their employees are maintaining strict guidelines and procedures so that all guests can feel comfortable getting back out and enjoying a brick oven pizza —oh, and a locally brewed beer!

We recently spoke with one of the owners, Brad Monarch, and his future outlook on business was cautiously good. He, like many others, are hoping that people will stay safe going out and supporting the business. They have a plan in place to open all of their restaurants in the next two months.  He said that it is very important to have properly trained staff and for customers alike to be respectful of others and do their part.

We met with Paul and Bri, owners of the Blue Pig, they too shared an optimistic view of what lies ahead.  They added more tables outside (that they built themselves we must add!) and have done the necessary changes to adhere to the guidelines. “Business has been great since our re-opening” said Paul.  There have been lines outside their door waiting for an empty table!

The overall message that we would like for you take from this is to support local businesses.  Gorham has so many small businesses that flourish only because of you — get back out there and let’s get our local economy strong once more!

Of course, it goes without saying, we are always here for all of your Real Estate needs!