Good day to All!
After my four days in Florida, I'm back to reality. We had an overwhelming response to the story I wrote about ants. I would have never believed this would have been so well received. After reading it a couple of times, I must admit, it was pretty good. Thanks to all of you who dropped a little note along with your answer to the trivia question. I was a little long winded last week, so this week I am going to make up for it. Rather than writing another story, I have elected to reprint the article in full that was published in the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel on 12/11/12. On 12/10, Susan Cover and Andy Molloy came out to our new location, took a few photos and interviewed me for the better part of an hour. Our thank you's Susan and Andy for doing such a nice job.
China Dine-ah owner to open second, seasonal restaurant on Route 3
The China Dine-ah Too Go hopes to target summertime Route 3 traffic; opening set for June
By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
State House Bureau
CHINA -- Norm Elvin hopes his new restaurant, The China Dine-ah Too Go, will become not only a stopping point but also a destination for the thousands of tourists who drive up Route 3 every summer to visit Acadia National Park.
Norm Elvin will open a seasonal restaurant, The China Dine-ah Too Go, at 363 Route 3 in China, in June.
Staff photo by Andy Molloy
Elvin, owner of Augusta's G&E Roofing Co. and the original China Dine-ah on U.S. Route 202, will offer fried seafood, lobster rolls, hand-cut fries, burgers, and bakery goods from June through September at the new location that's now under construction.
Opening day for the seasonal business at 363 Route 3 is set for June.
"I know there's a lot of traffic pushed onto this road," he said Monday.
The former driving school and linen shop is getting a major makeover, with workers already on site. The decor will be rustic and similar to that of the original restaurant.
So far, Elvin has had to jack up the building to put in a new foundation and is tearing out Sheetrock on the interior of the 2,500-square-foot building. He plans to have two root cellars in the basement so he can buy local vegetables.
Town Planning Board member Ron Breton said the new restaurant will be a boost for China, especially since there will be a bakery. The board recently gave Elvin permission to move forward with the project.
"It's definitely a prime location and will probably bring a few more jobs into the community," Breton said. "His bakery is going to be a big benefit. It's a class act, it really is."
Customers will place their orders and be able to sit in one of 16 seats inside or on a new 30-seat deck that is yet to be built outside. He will set aside room out back for travelers to walk their dogs and he will advertise clean bathrooms.
Just two miles away is China Dine-ah, a full service restaurant with a bar. Elvin is hoping that the new location will help to advertise the other one, which is a sit down restaurant with table service. Although travelers likely won't hit both locations on the same trip, he hopes they will remember the other location on U.S. 202 on the way back through.
Elvin said the new location will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June through September.
"I love people," Elvin said. "I enjoy seeing people be happy."
Susan Cover -- 621-5643
scover@mainetoday.com
Just a reminder, we have a back function room that holds between 20-30 people and is perfect for a family or business holiday get together. The room is free of charge all we ask is that you have a beverage and some light food. Call Sherri at 207-445-5700 for details or to reserve the room. Be aware that there are times of the week when we need this area for our dining customers.
In closing, remember the reason for the season , it is better to give than to receive. Also, lets think of the less fortunate, not only this time of the season but throughout the whole year.
God Bless,
Norm
