Rosella’s moves to more visible Main Street location
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — In the business world, it’s often said one of the most important factors of success is location. That’s why David “Dave” DeMerchant, owner of Rosella’s, opted to move his establishment from its North Street site to a spot on North Main Street across from the Hampton Inn.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ROSELLA’S has moved from its North Street location to 761 Main St. in Presque Isle. Rosella’s also recently opened at 82 Main St. in Mars Hill. The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Presque Isle to welcome the business to its new site across from the Hampton Inn. Pictured from left are: Theresa Fowler, executive director, CACC; employees Cory Sawyer, Kara Perkins and Aaron Dyer; owners David and Sharon DeMerchant; and CACC members Jim McKenney, Bonnie Pack and Sherry Sullivan.
“Rosella’s has been in business in Presque Isle for about seven years — I bought the business three years ago and kept the business at 18 North St. until our recent move to Main Street. Business was good on North Street but we’ve already seen an increase in customers since moving,” said DeMerchant.
The eatery employs a staff of eight, with expanded hours.
“We’re now open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. We can seat about three dozen people, have an increased parking area and higher visibility,” he said. “We have much larger seating capacity than our old location.”
Though the name may sound Italian, DeMerchant wants everyone to know “we offer more than just pizza.”
“We have lobster rolls, scallops, clams, a seafood platter, calzones, breadsticks and more. We have specialty nights: Monday is wing night, Tuesday is spaghetti, Wednesday is our $6 discer special. We have Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday, 4-6 p.m.,” said DeMerchant.
DeMerchant also offers a wide variety of pizzas, with signature sauces.
“We have 16 different specialty pizzas to choose from, or you can create your own combination,” he said.
When asked what was the most popular item on his menu, DeMerchant said the lobster rolls seem to be one of the most popular choices.
“Folks also enjoy our daily $5 meals — offered every day, all day,” he said.
DeMerchant said he’s always enjoyed cooking, so when the restaurant was for sale three years ago, he decided to give it a go.
“I’ve always wanted one. I enjoy cooking. I took classes in school and always wanted my own restaurant. I handle the restaurant, including doing some of the cooking, while my wife does the book work,” he said.
In addition to eat-in and take-out dining options, DeMerchant also offers delivery service in Presque Isle.
Earlier this year, DeMerchant also opened Rosella’s at 82 Main St. in Mars Hill.
“Mars Hill’s hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m., and Sunday, 4-7 p.m.,” he said.
DeMerchant said the business is active in the community, most recently working with Central Aroostook High School classes, raising funds through the sale of pizzas.
“For each pizza sold in May, if the person said which class they wanted money to go to, I donated $1 per pizza. I presented a check to a school representative for over $300 to benefit the freshmen through senior classes,” said DeMerchant. “I also offer special deals for teams.”
DeMerchant said owning a restaurant is easy “when you have a good product.”
He also acknowledged finding the right spot helps too.
“It’s all about location and visibility. We’ve got that at our new location. We’re in a high-traffic area, near Walmart and the hotel. The hotel’s clients are some of our best customers,” said DeMerchant.
Phone numbers for the two locations are: Presque Isle, 764-6644; and Mars Hill, 425-4444.
