Beset by an extensive rodent problem, the store, in the Brookfield Place plaza on Route 202 had closed for about a month while a biohazard company cleaned and sanitized the property, and owners made other improvements.
On Thursday morning, a sign near the parking entrance said “We are open,” while word was getting around, and folks were walking in the door.
“We’re greeting customers with open arms,” said store clerk Edith Cote.
“They’re glad to see we’re back,” said clerk John Wolfe.
Owner Troy Plummer, reached by telephone, said it “definitely feels good, “ to have the store reopened.
The adjacent restaurant, Asian Taste, remains closed while workers continue cleaning and making renovations. Manager Sherri Alcock said if all goes as planned, the restaurant should be ready for its state health inspection by the middle or latter part of next week.
On Thursday, Alcock said a new ceiling was being installed in the restaurant that day, new floors were to be laid, and there have been electrical and plumbing repairs, new lighting, new wallpaper and more.
She said a cleaning company has been contracted “to clean every surface, walls and floors, top to bottom.”
“We’re working hard to get everything fresh and new and clean,” said Alcock.
The hardware store and restaurant were closed by the town Feb. 23 after a rat infestation was discovered in a common wall that separates the two businesses.
A third business, Family Dollar, is separated from Asian Taste by a fire wall and was not affected.
On Thursday, Waterboro Health Officer Lisa Bennett said the report on an air quality test at the hardware store came on Tuesday and proved to be fine. Codes enforcement officer Glenn Charette issued an occupancy permit, allowing the store to reopen.
Bennett said while the hardware store was closed, the exterior walls were removed, insulation removed, the walls were sanitized, new spray foam insulation was installed and new sheetrock was hung.
She said the common wall between the hardware store and the restaurant was removed and replaced.
Asian Taste was also ordered closed by the state heath inspector Feb. 23 for violations regarding cleanliness, proper food storage and other issues, according to an inspection report provided by the state.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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