Thirty years prior to the creative economy and
diversity in business, Richard “Dick” and Carol (Lizotte)
Derosier became the founders of the Lakeview Diner
which is presently known as the Lakeview Restaurant.
It is situated on a sprawling 250 acres overlooking the
picturesque town of St. Agatha, Maine. The restaurant is
conveniently located on the ATV, snowmobile and crosscountry trails, which make it a popular must-stop site.
The eatery draws people from all over Aroostook County,
Maine, United States and our neighboring country,
Canada. You might walk in the dining room and see
strangers but walk out with new acquaintances. Many
patrons are blown away by the concept of a restaurant
accommodating its clients in every way including
transportation to and from their motel.
Multiple young people from the Valley have
started their working career at the Lakeview. Very
valuable lessons can be learned there, like being on
time, working hard, being personable and dealing with
the rush that inevitably comes while retaining a cordial
atmosphere. Judy Tardif, who has been employed there
since the beginning says, “I love my job. I enjoy meeting
people. One truly bonds with customers to the point
of exchanging cards, keeping up with the families, or
getting a phone call to share news about each other. I
enjoy my life because it entails meeting and dealing with
nice people.”
Their attention to detail by providing daily
quality products, nurturing all who cross their threshold,
has stood the test of time. This must go-to eatery has
drawn in many major federal, state and local politicians
throughout the years. Their lounge has drawn in television
host Bud Leavitt, NASCAR drivers Andy Santerre, Jerry
Nadeau and the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. crew. One knows
the change of seasons by seeing summer people; allterrain vehicles or snowmobilers come through the door.
70
SUMMER 2013
Journalists from the local newspapers continue to feature
this successful enterprise.
After a stint in the military, Dick and Carol
brainstormed ways they could augment their potato
growing income. What started out as a fast food
hamburger stand in their garage has expanded into a
successful restaurant that is opened to their patrons
seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The menu evolved over the years expanding and pleasing
customers with various meals that has as its anchor
the ever popular lobster, prime rib, steaks and much
in demand ribs. They also provide specials of such a
variety that gives choices no matter how often one dines
there. Themes such as wing night, fajita night and pizza
night pack the popular lounge. The physical layout can
accommodate 150 member weddings in their banquet
hall and a business meeting of 30 or so in another room
without disturbing their regular customers in the main
dining room and lounge area; with ample convenient
parking. Class reunions, weddings, anniversaries, family
reunions and gatherings of all types are accommodated
by a stable cadre of kitchen and wait staff who are well
trained and loyal to the second generation of the Derosier
management. Jennifer “Derosier” Daigle along with her
husband, Jason, are presently the proud owners/managers
of the establishment. She managed the business for ten
years with her parents’ guidance.
Dick’s frequent question was, “Avez-vous assez
mangez?” (Have you eaten enough?) The philosophy
was and continues to be that nobody should leave the
premises hungry. When the St. Agatha natives see a lot
of traffic, they know it has something to do with the
Lakeview Restaurant. The idea of a small diner housed in
Dick and Carol’s garage being born continues to benefit
other small businesses in our community.