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Maine restaurant that drew controversy for flouting pandemic restrictions set to reopen

Maine restaurant that drew controversy for flouting pandemic restrictions set to reopen

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


A Maine restaurant that made headlines for refusing to observe the state’s health and safety guidelines during the pandemic will reopen under new management.

Sunday River Brewing Company in Bethel was forced to close by the state after health inspectors gave it multiple citations for flouting pandemic restrictions. In December, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said it would not renew the brew pub’s license.

At the center of the controversy was owner Rick Savage, who ran the business alongside his brother. In November, Savage made an appearance on FOX News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight to speak out against the restrictions Governor Janet Mills put in place.

Savage tells the Portland Press Herald he sold the restaurant. Michael Boland, who owns several restaurants in Bar Harbor, will take the reins. He tells the paper they plan to reopen June 9th, but calls that an aspirational opening date and says it could change.

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