Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit, Maine Closes

Earlier today, Amore Breakfast of 87 Main Street, Ogunquit, Maine (at The Admiral’s Inn) made an announcement on their Facebook page and website informing their friends, community members, and the general public that they have decided to close their restaurant, partly due to COVID-19 related challenges.

The announcement on the Amore Breakfast Facebook Page + Website read:

A message from Leanne Cusimano, Amore Breakfast Owner

FEBRUARY 21, 2021 There is no way to make this announcement easy or simple. It is time for Amore Breakfast to close it’s doors for good. I have committed myself to this business and for over 25 years, looked forward to each and every new season’s opening day. Always anxious to welcome back our locals, regulars, visitors and new customers who liked to say they “stumbled upon” us. I am brokenhearted and I know this news will be received with disappointment and sadness. We have been privileged to serve you, our loyal customers and have shared in many of your celebrations and milestones, witnessing your children growing up, and getting to know so many of you on a personal level. Thank you for your support. Ogunquit will not be the same, I imagine without our presence, as we have contributed to this community in so many ways. It is a special and unique town where I have made my living and made my life. The business community is made up of independent people like myself who take immense pride in what they do. Kudos to those of you making it work.

The reality is COVID changed everything. Relying on guidance from business advisors and our accountant, we tried our best to re-imagine the business and find a way to solve the mounting issues. 2020 held great promise for small businesses to flourish, especially those with history and a following like Amore, serving thousands of loyal customers. An incredible lack of help last year due to travel restrictions meant no foreign workers. (Many of our past workers from around the world have remained in close contact with us, thanks to Facebook.) We had to reinvent all of our systems and operations to work leaner and more efficiently. We asked our young local staff to step up and take on more responsibility. Douen, in his 17th season, managed the kitchen and ensured the continuity of the menu, and fortunately, Heather Ryan stepped back into the kitchen part time to fill in the gaps. We had weekend help from Mikey Rodriguez, our grill cook who started each day with a positive, “can-do” attitude. Many, many thanks go out to them.

In 1988 I changed careers and found my passion and have worked in hospitality ever since. Under the mentorship of Donna and Gordon Lewis, they gave me the confidence and encouragement to strike out on my own in 1994. Being the sole owner of a business has its benefits, but last year’s emotional and physical stress, staffing issues, constant unknowns, financial loss, overwhelming responsibility of protecting the health and safety of guests and staff and sustainability concerns took the joy and thrill out of running this business. I created and conceptualized Amore and now this difficult, painful decision has become clear. I am in my 60’s and I know that operating under these conditions requires more fight than I have left in me. Another major personal factor in my decision is my Dad. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and my focus is now with him and my Mom in North Carolina. I intend to spend time there to provide care and support. I’m grateful I have the opportunity to do so and ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers. His name is Anthony-most people know him as Tony.

As I look back at every opportunity to grow and expand the business, it came with exciting new challenges and the success was due to the staff members who believed in Amore and wanted to be part of the journey. Thanks to all of you, Franklin, Anne, Roger, Laurie, Barbara, and Jan, (may she rest in peace), when we began as a coffee and sandwich shop as Cafe Amore. From my original dedicated servers, members of the Wells High Cheerleading squad, and other young locals who are now grown with families! To my recent staff of York High School students, you made me proud and have my deepest gratitude. Douen Crookson, my sidekick, stole the hearts of many and completely believed in Amore. To Heather Ryan, whose support, experience and contribution to help shape and elevate the Amore brand brought immense value. To Ashley (DiTomasso) Anderson, the “pride of Amore”, who joined us as teenager, continued to work through college and on weekends after graduating and is now happily married and pursuing her dream job in the medical field. Leo Ichim, also worked his way through college, while working 2 to 3 jobs, and now is a homeowner and has a career in banking. His positive attitude is infectious. Finally, to Phil Stone, Heather Owens, George Spencer, Nathaniel Wright and Sarah Littlefield (may she also rest in peace) whose hard work and dedication, creating great food with pride, were the backbone to Amore’s success. We were committed to the guest experience and were proud to offer a warm welcome, a great breakfast, and a wonderful atmosphere. Thanks to the hard work and skills of my friend and contractor, Bonnie Perkins, who transformed our most recent location and enabled us to deliver our vision. The owners and managers of the Admiral’s Inn have been gracious, generous and supportive and their kindness is most appreciated. Thanks to all of you, too many to mention!My sincere gratitude for the honor and opportunity to serve you, your friends and loved ones and I will cherish the connections and memories we have made. Please be safe and be well.

Thinking About Purchasing Real Estate In Ogunquit, Maine (or the surrounding towns)?

Charlene Taubert is an Ogunquit, Maine resident and licensed Realtor® with Aland Realty Group who is known for providing energetic, enthusiastic, and concierge-class service to her clients seeking to buy (or sell) real estate in Ogunquit, Maine (or the surrounding towns).

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