News

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.

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Study Costs of Climate Change

The bill passed mostly on party lines this week

7 hours ago in Local

Judge Gives DOJ Access to Maine Sports Rosters, But Not List of Transgender Athletes

The judge questioned the motivation of the federal request for information on transgender athletes.

11 hours ago in Local

Motorcyclist killed in 3-vehicle crash in Raymond

A motorcyclist was killed in a three-vehicle in crash in Raymond on Monday evening.

11 hours ago in Local

New data show most ICE detainees in Maine immigration sweep did not have criminal convictions

New data shows only a fraction of nearly 200 people arrested during January’s immigration enforcement surge in Maine had criminal convictions.

21 hours ago in Local, National

A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays

It has a catchy name — Build America, Buy America — and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back…