Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 17 : Summer 2013 | Page 70

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.