After months of anticipation and a few minor delays, Jersey Mike’s Subs is open for business at 600 Center St. in Auburn, at the far end of the Shaw’s shopping center.
By the looks of things the day after opening, customers are flocking in. Well after lunchtime Thursday, tables inside were still mostly filled, with a sizable line waiting to place orders. Customers raved about the subs and there was a large contingent of employees working on giant subs when Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham stopped in.
Jersey Mike’s is a casual style restaurant serving hot and cold subs on inhouse baked rolls. Gluten-free bread is available.
The franchise has more than 2,200 stores in 49 states, with four other Maine locations in Bangor, Brunswick, Scarborough and Windham. Stores in Topsham and Westbrook are under construction and stores are planned for Saco and Augusta later this year.
Franchise owner Chris Brown donated 100% of sales the first day — not just the profits — to the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston. That total came to $7,000. “We wanted to start the school year off with a bang by providing and earmarking funds to support local children,” Brown said in a news release.
In an earlier interview he said he chose Auburn because of the growth in the area and noted the impending opening of Target department store across from his new store.
ConvenientMD Urgent Care coming to Auburn
Construction is ongoing Thursday afternoon for ConvenientMD Urgent Care in the parking lot of the Shaw’s Shopping Center at 600 Center St. in Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
If you’ve been wondering what all the construction inside the fencing in the Shaw’s parking lot at 600 Center St. is all about, wonder no more. The Buzz can confirm that a ConvenientMD Urgent Care facility will soon occupy the space.
On July 12, the city Planning Board approved a proposal to construct a 5,000-square-foot facility with 25 parking spaces.
According to its website, ConvenientMD has 25-plus locations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. The Auburn location will be the 9th in Maine.
The company says its clinics are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and accept most insurance. The clinics provide a broad range of basic medical care, including minor emergencies, and that its facilities are equipped to perform X-rays, lab tests on-site, EKGs and IV fluids. The clinics also offer immunizations, preventive care and on-site prescription services.
Brenzels Caribbean Cuisine closed in Lewiston
Brenzels Caribbean Cuisine at 37 Park St., Lewiston, has closed. Christopher Wheelock/Sun Journal
The Buzz can confirm that just three months after opening, Brenzels Caribbean Cuisine at 37 Park St. in Lewiston has closed its doors permanently. The owner did not want to discuss the circumstances of the closure.
Signs posted on the restaurant’s front door and online stated it was closed for maintenance, then remodeling, as early as Aug. 9. An additional post online indicated they were open for curbside delivery or takeout on Aug. 19. The restaurant has remained closed all week.
Online reviews of the food were positive, but prices on the menu since opening were not in line with other area restaurants, which may have been a contributing factor.
The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com.
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