Head chef Ryan Desjardins, from left, Kayla Knox and owner Joc Caldwell stand behind the downstairs bar Thursday at The Kennebec Room in Augusta. (Anna Chadwick/Staff Photographer)
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A new restaurant has opened in downtown Augusta, but it isn’t just that — it also has a cocktail lounge upstairs.
The Kennebec Room, at 300 Water St., opened Sept. 30. The business is owned by Joc Caldwell, 34, and Mallori Park, 34, who operate it through their company, Caldwell & Park Hospitality.
The business adds distinct dining and nightlife options, offering a casual pub experience on the ground floor and an upscale cocktail lounge upstairs. Caldwell and Park hope the venues will complement existing businesses and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Water Street.
“Hospitality has been part of both of our lives for a long time,” said Caldwell. “Mallori and I wanted a permanent home where we could build the kind of place we’d want to spend an evening in ourselves: upscale but approachable, with great food, great drinks, and a real sense of place.”
Caldwell and Park chose the location, the site of the former Riverfront Barbeque & Grille and the Gin Mill, for its position in downtown and the opportunity to create two different venues in one building.
Getting the business ready for opening required extensive planning, including developing brand identities, hiring and training staff, and creating the menu with Chef Ryan Desjardins.
Pub customers can expect a selection of food and drinks, with Cushnoc Brewing featured as the establishment’s anchor draft beer. Upstairs, The Nightcap offers craft cocktails in a more energetic atmosphere.
“Expect a welcoming, upscale-but-approachable pub,” said Caldwell. “When you’re done downstairs, you can head up to The Nightcap Lounge for craft cocktails in a high-energy, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Thursday is karaoke night up there!”
Barbie Lunn, right, of Augusta, chats with her friend, Susan Clark, of South China, over drinks Thursday as they wait for lunch at The Kennebec Room in Augusta. (Anna Chadwick/Staff Photographer)
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Both owners bring years of experience in hospitality and customer service to the table. Caldwell founded Nightcap Events and Bar Co., a mobile event bartending company, in 2019. He is also a licensed Maine real estate broker and previously spent roughly a decade teaching elementary school. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership.
“Event bartending taught me how to plan for volume and read a crowd. Teaching taught me how to build and support a team, and that has shaped how we train and lead our staff,” said Caldwell.
Park has been bartending for close to 10 years, much of that time in management. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and has worked in customer-facing positions since she was about 15.
“There have been a lot of unexpected challenges with a new business taking over an older building and kitchen, but we have laughed, cried, and powered through whatever is thrown our way,” said Caldwell.
Bartender Kayla Knox shakes a cocktail Thursday at The Kennebec Room in Augusta. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature cocktails, wines, beers and nonalcoholic beverages. (Anna Chadwick/Staff Photographer)
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Caldwell said watching his employees improve each week has been one of the most rewarding parts of opening the business.
The owners are focused on growing the business, with a long-term goal of expanding to seven-day operations. The Kennebec Room is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Nightcap Bar and Lounge is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
“This place was built for Augusta. Whether you want a great meal, a local beer, a cocktail upstairs, or a song at karaoke on Thursday, there’s room for you here,” said Caldwell.
Dining and Cooking