By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Several changes have taken place at Slopes: Northern Maine Restaurant & Brewing Company on Maysville Street, owned by doctors Hank Ford and Imbesat Daudi, with the hiring of a new manager for the facility and several changes inside.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Slope’s Manager Hachem Messaoudi and his assistant, Carrie Ann Carson, are ready to provide an enjoyable family dining experience at the Maysville Street establishment. The Sports Bar now features three pool tables, a new menu, several televisions and other changes designed to create a more welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Hachem Messaoudi settled into the manager’s position earlier this year and has been busy overseeing upgrades to the business, including the addition of several televisions and pool tables in the newly remodeled Sports Bar.
“We now have a total of nine televisions, including a couple big screen TVs, for patrons to watch a variety of shows while they eat. Since they are tuned to different stations, customers can keep track of their favorite team’s score or the latest news,” said Messaoudi.
While waiting for a meal or after they’ve eaten, Slope’s patrons can try their hand at a friendly game of pool on one of the three regulation-size tables now available.
“We have three pool tables, a foosball table and have ordered dart boards. We’ve remodeled the bar’s dining area, with a railed divider between the eating area and pool tables that’s wide enough to set a beverage or plate, so anyone playing pool can have a place to put their drinks while they play,” said Messaoudi.
If enough people are interested, Messaoudi said it may be possible to host tournaments for both pool and darts. Plexiglass windows have been installed to prevent stray pool balls from shattering the divider between the dining area and the micro-brewing machines.
“It was a safety factor. We wanted to ensure a safe environment for our patrons. Putting in shatterproof windows prevents injury in the event a ball bounces from one of the pool tables,” said Messaoudi.
The transition took about two weeks.
“We opened the section on Nov. 20. Steve Burtt used his carpentry skills to bring about many of the changes. We obtained the pool tables through Hedrich’s. But most of the credit goes to the doctors. They’ve been amazing – looking for ways to continue to improve service for their customers,” said Messaoudi.
While one side of the restaurant is geared for a more casual dining experience, the main dining room will continue to provide a more formal environment.
“The dining room is more of a seafood and steakhouse restaurant – more intimate and private. We’ve revamped the menu for the bar section. Both areas still feature high-quality food at affordable prices.
Messaoudi said he’s relied a great deal on staff members as he made the transition into the job of manager.
“My prior experience includes management for five years with Dead River/Dunkin Donuts. I also have an accounting background. The staff at Slopes is doing a great job. I couldn’t ask for a more professional staff,” he said.
That staff includes his assistant, Carrie Anne Carson.
“She’s really knowledgeable, very helpful. She’s been here since day one. Carrie makes my job much easier,” said Messaoudi.
Carson expressed her enthusiasm for the changes at Slopes.
In addition to Carson, Messaoudi said there are at least two to three servers and a hostess on duty for lunch, plus kitchen crew and management, with staff variations at other times of the day based on need.
“I’m very excited about the new changes. They’re quite diverse,” said Carson. “Before, people may have felt a bit unsure – uncomfortable in what to wear. Now whether they’re in jeans or a suit, there’s a place for everyone.”
Messaoudi was quick to add that, regardless of dress, guests are welcome to dine in whichever section they choose.
“It’s just a more relaxed atmosphere we’re trying to capture, but it’s not to say a person wearing a suit couldn’t come in and play pool,” said Messaoudi.
Business hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
“That’s the general schedule, but on busier nights we are open later based on the amount of business we have,” said Messaoudi. “Brunch – all you can eat – is still held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Messaoudi said business has increased with the stronger Canadian dollar.
“We’ve had more Canadians recently, thanks to the stronger Canadian dollar. And with the holiday shopping season in full swing, we’re ready to provide shoppers with a great meal and a relaxing place to enjoy it, before they continue their search for the right gifts,” said Messaoudi.
And with the recent snow, Messaoudi looks forward to serving outdoor enthusiasts traveling the nearby trail as well.
“There’s access to the trail nearby. We’d love to see more snowmobilers in the months to come,” said Messaoudi.
“We want this to be the place where everyone can come and have fun, whether you’re in formal attire or casual. This is the place to bring the whole family,” said Messaoudi.
For more information, contact 769-2739.
Slope’s welcomes everyone to their newly remodeled Sports Bar, featuring three pool tables, nine televisions and other upgrades to make a more pleasant dining experience.
Pool tables and several new televisions have been added in Slope’s Sports Bar, making the Maysville Street restaurant the place to go for fun and a delicious meal.
