New tavern planned for Buckfield

Photo: Peter L. McGuire

REBIRTH — Local entrepreneurs hope to renovate this old garage on Route 117 in Buckfield and transform it into a new bar and restaurant called Captain Bly's Tavern. The board of selectmen approved a liquor licence for the new establishment on September 18.

BUCKFIELD — The selectboard unanimously approved a liquor license for a new bar and restaurant in town following a public hearing on September 18. 

Jason Rowe, the owner of Captain Bly's Tavern told the board he intended to renovate an old garage on Route 117.

Rowe said that he and partner Mark McAlister had been thinking about opening up a tavern for years.

Rowe said that there was a strong demand for an establishment in town –  he has heard residents say they have wanted something like Captain Bly's to open for years.

"There's nothing around here for an 11-mile radius," Rowe said. "You go where there's a need."

Rowe says he has not heard a single negative comment about his new business.

At the September 18 public hearing the proposed tavern was received positively by residents and selectmen. 

"It think it's a great idea," said Board Chairman Robin Buswell.

Another resident said the community should support Rowe's business.

"I, for one, am looking forward to having an establishment where I can have a nice meal and a drink without driving all the way down Route 4," she said.

Rowe anticipates the tavern will have a 60-person capacity and hopes to hire 10 employees.

He plans to have live music on weekends, but the town must first pass a special entertainment ordinance in order to issue an entertainment permit.

Rowe hopes to open the tavern in mid to late November.