290 Maine Street Restaurant and Pub in Norway, Maine, Applies to Build a Rooftop Bar

I love the revitalization that has happened in downtown Norway, Maine, in recent years. When I was a kid in the '70s, my mom bought all our school clothes in downtown Norway at L.F. Pike and Sons and Swett's Shoe Store. I also remember buying a home game of The Price is Right at J.J. Newberry department store, which I still have today.

But as time went on, businesses started to close up shop in downtown Norway, like many downtowns in Maine have experienced. Today, Norway is booming again, with shops and great restaurants along Main Street, including 290 Maine Street Restaurant and Pub.

290 Maine Street owner Ryan Ricci is looking to make a big upgrade to his restaurant, which has become very popular with great food, drinks, and live music.

The Town of Norway posted on their Facebook page on May 29, sharing that Ryan has applied for an addition of a rooftop bar and event center right next to the restaurant. As of right now, the lot is empty, but is being used for outdoor seating.

There are no details on the plans for this addition, but it would obviously include a new building in the lot next door, with the bar on the roof and the event center below.

Most of the comments on the Town of Norway's Facebook page have been pretty positive:

I think it would be a huge asset to norways economy and something fun and different. They have one in Bridgton and it's been very popular!

This is a great idea to bring in more traffic and support local businesses! I’m all about it! Excited to see how it turns out when it gets passed!

Yeah, that seems like it would be cool. As long as it’s done respectfully of neighbors and noise levels why not?

There's a public hearing on the addition to 290 Maine Street with the Norway Planning Board on June 13 at 7 p.m.