The owners of the Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina in Damariscotta, an iconic waterfront establishment which burned down on Sunday, plan to rebuild their business, according to co-owner Caleb Jones, who is also the general manager.
At 3 a.m. Sunday morning, the Damariscotta Fire Department was called to the waterfront restaurant to put out a fire, which took several hours and the help of five other departments. Jones said the firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to the docks or other buildings in the area, and nobody was injured.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Jones said, and he has no idea how much it will cost to clear out the damage. But he and the other owner, Scott Folsom, have set their priorities on taking care of their employees.
As a seasonal restaurant, Schooner Landing would have been open for another month and a half before closing for winter. Jones and Folsom are now planning a fundraising event in September to make up for the wages his employees will miss out on during that time.
Once all the rubble is cleared, the restaurant’s owners will take a look at its footprint and begin planning the rebuild, Jones said.
Folsom has been with Schooner Landing for 26 years, and Jones has worked there for 15. Jones started as a server, and he took an ownership stake when his good friend and co-owner Charlie Herrick passed away in 2019.
“Charlie was very particularly keen on saying, ‘It’s got to be for the people that live here,’” Jones said. “That’s who we want to come, for business purposes but also for the heart.”
Olivia DeLisle, who has worked front-of-house at the restaurant for 13 years, said the building was full of memories and love from its years in business. Its interior was filled with photos, hats and other memorabilia from people who have passed. She’s met some of her best friends there. It has hosted weddings, funerals, parties and more.
“The building can be replaced, but the rest of it, unfortunately …” DeLisle said, before trailing off.
While seasonal visitors have helped the restaurant bottom’s line, Jones said that serving locals was the original priority for Folsom and Herrick. Jones recalled 12 years ago starting an open mic night at Schooner Landing, which has since become a highlight for local musicians.
Jones also expressed his hope that locals will support plans to rebuild the restaurant.
