Business Spotlight: Pop's Place

As the owners of Windham’s new favorite restaurant Pop’s Place, Deanna Gaudreau and Jason LeShane are confident that if your meal is great, portions are generous, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is welcoming and fun, you’ll be back again and again. It’s been an essential part of their success in the restaurant industry and as a result, business is booming at Pop’s Place.

Deanna Gaudreau and Jason LeShane
are the owners of Pop's Place
in Windham. COURTESY PHOTO 

Located at 754 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Pop’s Place has been open since July and offers a complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu in a family friendly environment where smiles, tasty meals, happy customers and fun take priority in everything that they do. The family had been operating the popular CeCe’s Diner on Route 302 in Westbrook since 2021, but leaped at the chance to relocate to Windham this past summer when a facility with a larger kitchen became available.

“In my opinion the specialty items are our breakfast bowls, our fresh no antibiotic-ever chicken sandwiches that can be grilled or fried, our hand-cut red skinned potatoes, our fresh USDA certified burgers and homemade corned beef hash,” Gaudreau said. “We promise to provide the freshest, best quality food that we possibly can with the best service we can provide.”

She has been working in restaurants since she was 14 and says that there is nothing else that she would rather be doing.

“Waitressing and bartending runs through my veins and I have a major passion for it,” Gaudreau said. “We have a large family, and our customers may see a few too many of them at any given time. We want our diner/bar to be the local restaurant that everyone wants to come to and when they do, they feel like family and friends. We have an amazing staff on hand and each one of us are thrilled to be working together to see this dream come true.”

With competitive pricing and an extensive menu, she said she rates the quality of the food at Pop’s Place as exceptional.

“The standards we set for ourselves are above and beyond what even our customers expect from us I believe. We have a certain presentation that we even expect our plates to come out looking like,” she said.

Popular menu items for breakfast include Stuffed French Toast; cinnamon rolls; buttermilk pancakes; breakfast burritos; and an array of breakfast sandwiches and breakfast bowls. For lunch, the menu ranges from hot and cold sandwiches to burgers and chicken tender baskets. Dinner selections are vast and run the gamut from Chicken Marsala to Marinated Steak to Baked Haddock and more. A full kids’ menu is available as are gluten-free items and a limited late-night menu.

Special events and a full-service bar at Pop’s Place are popular too. Karaoke is offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays with Bingo from 7 to 9 on Wednesdays. On the first Friday of each month, Pop’s Place has a dance party from 8 p.m. to midnight.

LeShane said that above anything else, he considers courteous and friendly service to be paramount to the restaurant’s success.

“The best thing about operating a restaurant is certainly our customers,” LeShane said. “They are at the heart of everything we do and if they are happy, they enjoy some good quality food we serve, and they feel like they are family, they’ll want to come back.”

Online reviews are outstanding.

“Always friendly, they make you feel welcome, and their food has always been good, keep up the great work.” Norm Cash

“Great place! Service was awesome, timely and staff was polite. Menu is huge! Which is great. My meal was fantastic, and I think I got a large amount for the price! Would definitely go again, I went for breakfast and for sure will be back for lunch and dinner!” Abby Perkins

“Great new spot we were seated within 15 mins our Hostess and Waitress were cheerful & knowledgeable about Allergies My food was Delicious and there are no restaurants that offer the Gluten Free options like Pop’s Place our food was served within 20 Minutes & the prices were better than most restaurants, We will be back to Pop’s Place.” Georgette Marston

Pop’s Place is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sundays for breakfast from 6 to 2 p.m. for breakfast only with limited lunch items. They are closed on Mondays. Takeout service is available by calling 207-893-8065 in advance.

To keep up with events and to view their full menu visit their Facebook page under Pop’s Place. <

Business spotlight: APlus Autobody

When you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle needs collision repair, APlus Autobody in Windham stands ready to help.

Members of the APlus Autobody team in
Windham include back row, Andrew and
Ashley, front row, Steve, a painter, and 
Derek, a technician. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Conveniently located at 8 Storm Drive in Windham off Route 302, APlus Autobody has been in business for 12 years and focuses on collision and custom paint work. It features three highly experienced autobody technicians and takes pride in being able to assist and advise its customers about the best steps to take when a vehicle has been in an accident. It is known for flawless finishes and handling everything from minor dents to complete collision repair service.

Towing service is available, and all repair work is done in-house with direct insurance billing and a lifetime warranty on all work performed at APlus Autobody.

“We are one of the last standing body shops who are not direct repair with insurance companies,” said Ashley Ciraldo of APlus Autobody. “We do work with all insurance companies, but we are here to do what is right for the customer. We get the repairs completed properly and always thrive more on customer satisfaction. We have knowledgeable employees that can answer any questions you may have.”

What distinguishes APlus Autobody from competitors is its faster scheduling for projects, resulting in shorter wait times to start repair work and get you back behind the wheel quicker.

“We can also get your vehicle in in a timely manner and are not booking months out like other shops in the area,” Ciraldo said. “Insurance companies cannot tell you which shop to use.”

APlus Autobody is a division of APlus and Andrew Coppersmith, one of the owners of APlus, said he’s trying to get the word out that APlus is not just a dealership.

“Whether it’s servicing your car at our service center, or we are here to fix your collision damage or customize however you want, we work on any brand manufacturer,” he said.

Pricing is in line with all insurance rates and because each customer may have questions about the repair process, APlus Autobody goes out of its way to offer exceptional customer service and to take the time needed in educating them about what it takes to repair their vehicle properly and the autobody process.

“We are more about quality than quantity,” Ciraldo said. “Open communication with our customers is essential and here you deal with just one person and you’re not having to consult with insurance collision representatives and the repair shop technicians and the auto parts person. We handle all of that for you and that makes a big difference for many of our customers.”

For some who’ve been in an accident, the misconception about the painstakingly slow process of autobody repair work is shattered once they visit APlus Autobody.

“It may take weeks just to be able to get an estimate at some places and then additional weeks to obtain an appointment to have the collision work done,” Ciraldo said. “We take pride in our turnaround time of how quickly things can happen here and to get them back out there safely and properly.”

APlus Autobody serves everyone in the state of Maine and the business specializes in paint customization.

“We are the only shop around that does color matching. We can paint chrome and textured black plastic,” Ciraldo said. “Color matching and customization has been pretty popular in the car industry among the collision work. We have the ability to color match any color to the factory paint code.”

Online reviews are outstanding.

"I love the quality of work APlus provided along with their great customer service. Best Around!!!"

"All the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable they were able to answer any and all questions I had about my repair."

"I was very satisfied with my experience at APlus. They handled everything with the insurance company, so I didn't have to. Customer service was the best and my repair looks so good you can't even tell that I had a repair done. I would recommend them over and over again to anyone in need of collision work." 

For more information or to book an appointment with APlus Autobody, call 207-572-4444 or visit them online at https://www.aplustrucks.com/ or on Facebook under APlus Autobody. <

Business Spotlight: 302 Nutrition

The 302 Nutrition name doesn’t begin to tell the story of how a place that specializes in energy teas and healthy shakes is transforming its customers and making it a new favorite place to meet friends, share a laugh and have fun in Raymond.

302 Nutrition employees Sabrina, Ashten 
and Shannon. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sabrina Golebiewski took over ownership of 302 Nutrition with Dustin James at 1233 Roosevelt Trail, Suite 18, in Raymond less than two years ago in December 2021 and has revitalized the business, turning it into a family friendly establishment where everyone there is a friend and an exceptional place to kick start your day with a tasty and healthy drink.

302 Nutrition offers the largest assortment of protein shakes, loaded teas, protein bowls and Herbalife products in the Lakes Region. But for many loyal customers, the casual atmosphere and uplifting environment is what keeps them coming back day after day for more.

“Once you walk into 302, you’re immediately part of the 302 family,” Golebiewski said. “We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their needs. We have a loyal following and we don’t take that for granted. Ever.”

The store has been around for almost three years when Golebiewski became its owner, and she began injecting it with her contagious personality and bending over backwards to ensure each customer is treated properly. Most mornings the 302 bar is filled with happy friends socializing and enjoying a drink while launching their day.

“After almost two years since taking over, I still absolutely love unlocking that door and serving my customers,” she said. “We try to have a lot of fun and hope that our customers feel that when they come in, they’ve made a great choice. I’m a single mom of five amazing kids and I took a leap of faith in myself, and I’m pretty proud of how things are going so far.”

Pricing is competitive but the quality of drinks served at 302 Nutrition is first-rate.

“I think we are pretty reasonably priced, and we offer high quality products and service and won’t compromise on that,” Golebiewski said. “Our menu is always expanding, and we have customers who come in and challenge us to make special requests. If we have the ingredients then we are up to it, if we don’t have it then we will get it.”

Shakes are plentiful with new kinds always being added and it’s hard to select one favorite flavor. Customers can choose from Cider Donut, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Taste O’ Honey, Peppermint Blast or Eggnog. Or they also have an expansive range of more traditional flavors such as Chocolate Mint, Cotton Candy, Pralines and Cream, Pina Colada, Cookies and Cream, Café Latte, Vanilla Lovers and many more.

The assortment of teas is just as mind blowing with bases consisting of green, black or orange tea which can be lit with a never-ending supply of flavors including Orange Crush, Starburst, Mango Tango, Lollipop, Lemon Lavender, Nerds, or Pomegranate Power among dozens of combinations available.

Online reviews for 302 Nutrition are out of this world.

“Friendly Staff and great customer service. Sabrina and Ashten are awesome and very knowledgeable about all of their products! Highly recommend 302 Nutrition!!” Jim Donahoe

“Great atmosphere - clean and friendly staff. The drinks are amazing. Worth the stop.” Cindy Grondin Aldrich

“The best teas from the best employees! Such a great atmosphere!” Kristen Bragdon

“I have had teas in many different nutrition shops and 302 nutrition is hands down the best! I drive an hour to get one of their teas!! And the staff is also the best!!!” Jennifer Bishop

“Best Teas, Shakes, and Protein Bowls. Sabrina is the BEST and starting my day here makes each day better! Keep kicking butt, Sabrina!” April Libby

302 Nutrition is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The business is closed on Tuesdays.

Golebiewski says the misconception that healthy drinks automatically taste bad has been shattered at 302 Nutrition.

“This place is a game changer for so many people,” she said. “It’s a whole different way of thinking about your health. The best thing about this place is the people. I love serving my customers. It brings me absolute joy to see them day after day. It’s a family here and every day I get up and I am excited to go to work.”

For more details about 302 Nutrition, call 207-655-6165 or find them on Facebook under 302 Nutrition. <

Business Spotlight: Maggie's A Fine Hair Salon

For some time now, Nicole Kauffman has dreamed of owning her own hair salon and in September her wish came true when she purchased Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon in Raymond.

Nicole Kauffman has taken over as
the owner of Maggie's A Fine Hair
Salon in Raymond. She has worked
as a stylist at the family friendly
salon for the past six years.
COURTESY PHOTO

Located at 1263 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, Maggie’s offers great styling in a family friendly atmosphere. Services available include cuts, color, foil, Brazilian blowout treatments, face waxing, perms including a cut, shaping and style, a high-performance and oxidant-free glazing color service for endless creative looks, and updo styling, conditioning hair masques with scalp massages, and braiding. Maggie’s also offers Keratin Smoothing Treatment to transform frizzy, dull, and over-processed hair into shiny, brilliant tresses.

“We provide hair service for all ages,” Nicole said. “We have clients from all over Maine. We take appointments and walk-ins. We do men’s hair too, and we are always taking on new customers and offer competitive pricing. Maggie’s offers a variety of services to customize your haircare needs. With a wide range of color techniques, hair smoothing treatments, perming and endless cutting and styling options, we can create a look you will love to wear.”

Nicole has worked as a stylist at Maggie’s for the past six years and along the way has established many great relationships with customers who consider her as family and have come to trust her and the other two stylists at the salon to provide exceptional service and leave happy with the way that their style looks.

“Between all three stylists at the moment, we have been doing hair for many years,” Nicole said. “I have been doing hair since 2003. I love it and there is nothing else I would rather do. I like to learn from the younger customers and the older customers. I love teaching people what I know. I love watching people do hair. I do keep up on trends with cuts and color foil techniques. I take classes and watch tutorials.”

Nicole said that each professional stylist working at Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon is an independent contractor and they all work long hours while standing throughout the day on behalf of their customers.

“People come to trust us with their hair and to give them what they want,” Nicole said. “For me, I love building relationships with clients. Younger and older, it's an amazing job. The clients have their hair styled, and we talk, but I talk with them as well and learn about their whole life through the years. I love making people happy. Nurses and nursing assistants do it physically and I can do it with hair. I love to see the smile on their face or making someone's day or being there to talk to them. What is said at the salon stays in the salon.”

The challenge for Nicole in her new role as the owner of Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon is to keep prices low while the cost of everything continues to go up.

“We do love what we do,” she said. “But we try to give the best prices and best service possible. Making people feel good makes us feel good.”

Online reviews are outstanding.

“Nicole does great with foils. I love my hair. I have thick hair and she does the placement perfectly! My hair cut came out perfect! I love my hair so much!” Samantha Rand

“I brought my 3-year-old boy in for a big boy haircut with clippers, not just a trim. I was nervous, not knowing how he would handle it. It was Amazing! Nicole greeted us with a smile, let him walk around to check out the place, which is gorgeous...Clean and fabulously decorated. She was great with my son and finally gave him the cut we were looking for. She was efficient and super sweet with him. We both loved the whole experience! Thank you!!! Highly recommend- we will be back for sure.” Kristen Bolduc

“I have been going to Maggie's for almost 2 years. They have such a welcoming environment, clean, well decorated, relaxing, and the ladies are friendly and fun! My hairdresser listened to all my hair do's and don'ts, looked at my photos of my hair from the past that I liked! I'm always very happy with my highlights, color and cut, so much that I take a pic and post it on Facebook because I feel like a new and improved woman! So, if you need a new do, or some maintenance, this place is awesome! My special thank you to Nicole, you keep me looking gorgeous! Melissa Chute Devio

To book an appointment or for more information about Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon, call 207-655-2454 or visit them on Facebook under Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon. <