[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1668-S1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RECOGNIZING FUEL

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, restaurants in my home State 
recently celebrated the second annual Maine Restaurant Week from March 
1 through 10. This creative event is designed to offer Mainers and 
visitors alike the opportunity to spend an evening out to try a new 
restaurant at an affordable fixed price. After last year's success, 
where nearly 98 percent of attendees said the event met or exceeded 
their expectations, over 100 restaurants participated in this year's 
celebration. I rise today to recognize one restaurant that took part in 
Restaurant Week, Fuel, that has helped to lead a renaissance in 
downtown Lewiston.
  In 2005, Eric Agren and his wife Carrie purchased the old Lyceum Hall 
in downtown Lewiston with the purpose of renovating the 135-year-old 
theater, which is listed on the National Historic Register. The goal 
was to transform the theater, vacant for over 50 years, into a cozy, 
welcoming space while maintaining the historical nature of the 
building. Mr. Agren, who is originally from the Lewiston-Auburn area, 
spent several years in Chicago working for a kitchen design company, 
which piqued his interest in the culinary arts, before returning home 
to pursue his longtime dream of opening a restaurant. The couple also 
turned the upstairs of the building into a 5,000-square-foot apartment. 
Because of the Agrens' dedicated efforts, Fuel received historic 
preservation awards from the State of Maine and the city of Lewiston, 
both in 2007.
  Fuel's menu features French country cuisine with a close-to-home 
twist. Starting with French classics like escargot, fondue, and French 
onion soup, the menu includes an eclectic mix of dishes from braised 
short ribs and steak frites to roasted chicken and homemade macaroni 
and cheese. The Agrens describe Fuel's interior decor as ``urban 
cozy,'' with French vintage art, leather chairs in the bar, and butcher 
paper topping the tables. The restaurant received a 2008 Editor's 
Choice Award from Yankee Magazine, as well as Wine Spectator magazine's 
Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list of over 100 
selections. Fuel has also been the recipient of the Androscoggin County 
Chamber of Commerce's President's Award and has received recognition as 
Downeast Magazine's Best Dining in Lewiston.
  Since the opening of Fuel, several other restaurants have opened 
across Lewiston, resulting in a burgeoning revival of the city's 
downtown. Nearly a dozen new restaurants have entered the Lewiston 
dining scene in recent years, leading to increased traffic and a more 
vibrant atmosphere downtown, as well as creating new jobs. Indeed, to 
continue this trend, the Agrens soon plan to open another restaurant 
just down Lisbon Street from Fuel called Marche. In the process of 
refurbishing the building, the couple also created a two-bedroom, 
2,000-square-foot apartment upstairs from the restaurant. As Mr. Agren 
recently explained, he hopes these efforts bring new people to the 
downtown area, and expects `` to see a small core of affiliated 
businesses sprout up--such as dry cleaners and specialty markets--that 
would cater to a growing downtown population.''

[[Page S1669]]

  Additionally, over the years, Fuel and other local eateries have 
participated in numerous community events, raising money for charities 
like the Sisters of Charity Food Pantry and the American Heart 
Association. While these restaurants engage in healthy competition, 
they are also team players when it comes to helping the community.
  The renaissance of downtown Lewiston is well-documented, and a 
welcome sign during these difficult economic times. And Eric and Carrie 
Agren have played a central role in spurring this critical development. 
I thank the Agrens for their commitment to the Twin Cities of Lewiston 
and Auburn, and I look forward to hearing about the continued success 
of their investments.

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