A national retailer has acquired Olympia Sports, a Maine-based sporting goods outlet that began more than four decades ago at the Maine Mall in South Portland.  JackRabbit, which specializes in running and active lifestyle brands, announced the deal on Tuesday, News Center Maine (WCSH/WLBZ) reported. Olympia’s headquarters are based in Westbrook.  The deal consists of […]

Embracing innovation is the hallmark of a lot of successful Maine businesses, but how complicated does that process become when the business is family-owned? Getting consensus among family members to pursue something risky can be a challenge that hits close to home. Join Business Editor Carol Coultas and a panel of professionals who’ve been in […]

BOWDOINHAM — In a town of fewer than  3,000 people, a new convenience store may go up across the street from the town’s only other convenience store, which raises the question: Is the town big enough for both? Doug Tourtelotte, a contractor, Bowdoinham resident and former selectman, said he plans to build a new store […]

POWNAL — The show must go on for two Maine business owners opening a magic-themed dinner theater restaurant – they just don’t know where yet.  Joseph Richards and Marcus Verrill are scrambling to find a new location for The Perfect Spell, a Harry Potter meets Hocus Pocus meets Practical Magic-themed musical restaurant, after Pownal town officials denied […]

LISBON — A quiet neighborhood on Ferry Road was buzzing with the sounds of saws, hammers, nail guns and laughter Saturday morning as more than 50 volunteers helped repair the home of Vietnam War veteran Richard Houle.  When Houle came home to Lewiston from his second tour in Vietnam, Americans’ attitude toward those soldiers was […]

After accusing his largest investor of financial misconduct, David Rosenberg has been fired as chief executive of Prime Automotive Group, a company built by Rosenberg and his colorful father, the late Ira Rosenberg.  David Rosenberg was the chief executive of one of the nation’s largest auto dealership networks, with nine locations in Maine. In July, […]

SKOWHEGAN — A local business that’s owned by a member of the district school board is drawing sharp criticism for a post on social media about selling “Indian Outlaw” T-shirts and hoodies to celebrate the start of high school football this week.  The Monday morning post on Facebook from Maine Fire Equipment Co. comes even […]