Peace, Love, & Waffles grand opening Jan. 9
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The old bank building on East Main St. in Dover-Foxcroft has seen several tenants come and go over the past few years, leaving local residents hoping for a new business owner to come in with a fresh vision on the space, a new idea, product or service that will fill a gap in the town’s offerings.
The building, known for decades as Pastime’s Pub, is as unique as they come, with the original bank vaults still in place and memorabilia from centuries-passed Dover-Foxcroft. Everyone in the region knows it’s a special place; all it needed was a purpose.
Four years ago, a Colorado couple attended a Patriots game. Both adore Tom Brady and are huge Patriots fans. This game spurred a desire in the couple to someday live in New England. Then, this past July, Erin Riley and Doug Campbell did just that, packing up their home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and moving to Dover-Foxcroft.
Photo courtesy of Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce
PEACE, LOVE, & WAFFLES — A grand opening for Peace, Love, & Waffles on East Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft will be from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 with a 4 p.m. Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at the restaurant located in the building, known for decades as Pastime’s Pub.
Riley, born and raised in California, has been in the hospitality industry all of her life and also owned a home and garden shop with her sister for a time. She is a creative individual who takes pride in her work; right down to every, little detail. Campbell, born and raised in Nebraska, farmed as a young boy and then worked as a professional plumber for the past 25 years. The couple met in Kansas, and between the two of them, has “four kids with two legs and two kids with four legs,” as Riley describes it, referring lovingly to their two dogs, Achilles and Gaga.
It wasn’t long before a peace sign appeared on the window-pane of the old Pastime’s Pub storefront, with appealing, crafty window dressings which immediately began to draw the attention of drivers passing the building. Inside, the atmosphere began to shift from a ‘pub’ feel to a really hip and inviting place to be, a beautifully chic and uniquely decorated space designed to keep one easily entertained while waiting. Oversized blackboards covered in chalk-art grace nearly every wall with clever and unique sayings that change every so often, so there’s something new to see at every visit. At each table families with children can enjoy a hand-made tic-tac-toe game, found in a tiny burlap bag.
Then there’s the menu. One might not have realized there is so much that can be done with a waffle. The choices are unique and creative, the presentation beautiful and the flavors a feast for the pallet. From breakfast to lunch waffles, a gluten-free potato waffle, waffles made for those with a sweet-tooth, and a children’s menu, there’s something for everyone.
It’s evident that Peace, Love, & Waffles’ owners do everything with a spirit of excellence. When asked what motivates them, their response is simply to create human interaction. When asked by Chamber Executive Director, Denise Buzzelli, why the couple left Colorado, Riley explained, “There wasn’t much community involvement there, and it is something I really enjoy. I know we will find it here, in this town”. When asked “Why waffles?,” she responded, “I love to build community; making waffles is just how I decided to do it!”
Though Peace, Love, & Waffles has been open since November, there will be a grand opening celebration from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 with a 4 p.m. Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. Coffee and baked goods will be offered. The event is open to the public. An RSVP is appreciated at 207-564-7533.