Conversations with Maine's Island and Coastal Small Businesses
Episode 10: Topside Inn
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In this episode, we talk with Mark Osborn, the owner and innkeeper of Topside Inn in Boothbay Harbor. Recently, Facebook released their State of Small Business Report, citing hospitality as one of the industries hit hardest by the pandemic, and unfortunately, the Topside Inn is no exception.
Mark is a fourth-generation Boothbay Harbor summer resident, turned local business owner, who bought the Topside Inn with his husband Brian. Since then they’ve grown to know—and almost expect—a fully booked inn during July and August. They have even won “Innkeepers of the Year” from Hospitality Maine.
However, this year, despite the reopening efforts, Mark is seeing a record low number of reservations. Rather than shut their doors, Mark and Brian have decided to use this time to get creative. They’re doing a complete build-out to convert a guest room into a bar and are also building a chicken coop on the property. They are trying to think of ways to not only deal with the current situation but use it as an opportunity to rethink their business model.
Listen to Episode 10 here
Miss an episode? Listen to other interviews in the series here:
- Episode 1: 44 North Coffee, Deer-Isle Stonington
- Episode 2: Pendleton Yacht Yard, Islesboro
- Episode 3: CARES Act/WindHorse Arts, Vinalhaven
- Episode 4: Maine Small Business Development Centers
- Episode 5: North Haven Brewing Co. & Maine Open Online
- Episode 6: Black Stone Point Oysters LLC
- Episode 7: La Nef Chocolate
- Episode 8: Primo Restaurant
- Episode 9: Sammy's Deluxe
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