LISBON

The vision of two brothers is set to come to life in Lisbon.

Jason and Tyson LaVerdiere will be opening the doors of Flux Restaurant and Bar on Thursday, April 12.

In January, the brothers purchased the location at 12 Main St. Since then, they have worked to transform the former location of Dr. Mike’s Madness Cafe into a restaurant that fits their vision.

The pair has worked tirelessly to create the restaurant they envisioned. Jason said with the exception of plumbing and electrical work, they have done the work to create Flux. Wooden tables line the new restaurant, made by the LaVerdieres. What was once a 1950s-style diner is closer to resembling the restaurant the brothers wanted.

“We’re all about music and food and people getting back down to earth and talking to each other,” said Jason LaVerdiere. “It’s a fun, relaxed environment where people can unwind and hang out.”

The LaVerdieres hope to create an environment that’s relaxed and where people can socialize. Jason hopes to host live music in the future. The restaurant won’t have TVs, but will have 12 beers on tap and feature local craft beers. Jason, who lives about a block from the restaurant, will be running the kitchen. He’s been working in a kitchen from a young age.

“I started cooking when I was 10 years old,” said Jason. “We had a big family and I got into cooking. With five or six kids running around, my mom kind of let me take the reigns.”

Before entering a venture with his brother Tyson, Jason worked in the culinary field from the age of 16, mostly in the kitchens of various Portland restaurants in his twenties. For the last eight years, he worked at Walter’s in Portland. He was sous chef for about the last three years.

Tyson recently moved to the area from China, Maine, to help put their plans into action.

“We’ve been working on a business plan for two years before it actually came to fruition,” said Jason.

Flux will be a “modern American” restaurant, according to Jason. They will take classics and add a twist to the dishes. They will make fresh baked breads every day, meaning burger buns ad breads are made in house. Desserts will also be made on-site.

“We’re taking American classics and really updating them, giving them an edgy sort of twist,” said Jason.

The LaVerdieres have a staff in place for the new location.

Jason said he is happy to provide Lisbon with a new full dining experience. The location’s proximity to Route 196 was appealing, with the brothers hoping some of that traffic makes its way to Flux on April 12 and beyond.

chris@timesrecord.com