Clean Clothes, Precise Numbers & Family Ties
A Path Created for a Retired Mainer to Return to His Hometown
Vicneire’s Elm Street Market
5 New Portland Road, North Anson, ME • (207) 635-2503
Heidi and PJ Vicneire are the current owners of an almost 100-year-old market in North Anson, now called Vicneire’s Elm Street Market. The Vicneires also added a laundromat and ice cream shop to the location.
Heidi worked for the two previous market owners for close to 20 years. She had always dreamed to own it one day! When the opportunity arose nearly two years ago to purchase the business, Greg Theriault, a retired businessman who recently returned to the Waterville area, was happy to help the Vicneires. Greg helped them create a business road map to ensure North Anson’s hometown gathering place flourishes for years to come. He taught them it is all “in the numbers!”
Vicneire’s Elm Street Market provides a variety of services that impact the daily lives of North Anson area residents every day. PJ, who also owns Vicneire Logging, takes the early shift. Before the sun comes up, PJ arrives and makes the coffee. He opens the doors and welcomes the staff and the early bird customers. They are open from 6AM to 8PM 7 days a week. In the morning, the restaurant is well-known for their breakfast pizzas and freshly made egg sandwiches. Their freshly brewed coffee is free all day for their patrons over 62.
Vicneire’s Elm Street Market is an old-fashioned General Store. It’s filled with everyday needed items, and some unique Maine gifts. Gas, fresh produce, and quality meats cut in-house are available too. Your choice of chicken, pork, beef, deli meats and cheeses, freshly ground hamburg and all the delicious cuts of steaks await your supper and grill. Call ahead and your order will be waiting for you!
Vicneire’s is known for their great fresh dough pizzas, such as the Big Mac and Chicken Bacon Ranch. The most popular sandwiches are the Python and Steak Bombs. The Knight and Squealer are favorites too. The menu offers many choices including gluten free options including pizza crust, wraps and hamburger buns. They serve hot and cold sandwiches and ready-to-go meals. Assorted garden salads, in-house made coleslaw, ham, chicken and egg salad are personal favorites of their neighbors.
A separate building houses a self-serve laundromat and a seasonal ice cream stand. They recently upgraded and refreshed the laundry equipment and site. Locals can stop by all day to throw in a wash, then do their shopping, fill up their gas tank, and get lunch or ice cream while their clothes get cleaned. Vicneire’s offers the best in country living!
Everyone knows the lady in charge is Heidi. Her smile and positive attitude create a family atmosphere. Her faith guides her outlook toward the staff and customers. Everyone at Vicneire’s cares about each other. If a patron doesn’t come in at their regular time, the staff notices and they are not afraid to make a wellness call. New ideas by the staff are welcomed by Heidi and PJ. Their employees are a huge part of the success of the business. “We couldn’t do any of it if it wasn’t for the amazing group we have. We are a big family here at Vicneire’s!”
A customer, Bradley Clark, carved a larger-than-life wooden beaver with a chainsaw, which welcomes the locals. Benny the Beaver is so popular, that when he was injured in a truck accident and returned to Bradley for treatment, the locals were upset. Both Heidi and PJ got calls at all hours of the day and night announcing Benny’s disappearance. They finally had to put a sign out front confirming that he was in rehab! Patrons were so happy when Benny returned that they were seen taking photos with him.
Heidi, PJ and their children Lucas, and Makayla, work in the store. Heidi’s mom, Darlene, works the morning shift too. Their oldest son, Nicholas, currently living in Boston, also helps out when he’s home. Don’t forget that Grampa Greg is only a call away!
Vicniere’s Elm Street Market is in this marathon for the long haul, making plans for future renovations to make the customer’s experience better. PJ says they are knocking off each project, one at a time while not forgetting to have fun every day!
A visit to Vicniere’s assures you will be greeted with a smile and a “how are you doing today?”
“We love serving the community with wicked good food and products, home-town friendly staff and a commitment to showcase the best that rural Maine has to offer.”
Fairfield Laundromat
44 Main Street, Fairfield, ME • (207) 710-4444
If truth be told, I grew up in the same neighborhood as Greg Theriault, a time when kids were allowed to ride their bikes, gather nearby with friends and enjoy an afternoon outside. Our only responsibility was to be within ear reach when Mom called you home for supper.
We both graduated from Waterville High in the class of 1968, along with What About Maine’s Duane Wheeler.
Greg graduated from Thomas College in 1972 and received his BS in Business Administration and Accounting. In 1986, he graduated from New Hampshire College with an MBA. Greg spent the next 34 years holding various positions in accounting and finance for some prestigious companies including Jackson Laboratories, Loring Short and Harmon and R. C. Moore Trucking Co.
Greg has three daughters: Erica White of Jefferson, ME, Heather Vose of Londonderry, NH, and Heidi Vicneire of Embden, ME. Greg is a proud grandpa of 8 grandchildren. Summer, Skyler, Landon, Basel, Ava, Nicholas, Makayla and Lucas all keep him young.
Fast forward 50 years…we all reconnected with each other at our 50th class reunion. Greg was living in Southern Maine. He owned the One Stop Storage and a U-Haul dealership in Biddeford. He oversaw 150 storage units and local moving services. Greg, along with his partner, decided to cash out and move closer to family.
The Waterville area was lucky to welcome them back home. Greg’s daughter, Heidi, and son-in-law, PJ, were considering the purchase of the Elm Street Market in North Anson. They asked for Greg’s expertise. He helped them put a business plan together and they went on to purchase the business. He has continued helping them make their money work for them.
Greg found being retired is not all it’s cracked up to be. He needed a project. Greg reached out to Heidi and PJ asking how their laundry mat next to the store was doing? An opportunity arose to purchase the Fairfield Laundromat. He took the time to research the numbers, and what he learned was the possibilities were within reach.
Fred Oriola purchased the Fairfield Laundromat building in 2018. He created a clean, efficient, state of the art laundromat. His washers and dryers accept coins or debit/credit cards. Greg was able to track the usage and make his decision.
In March of 2023, Greg embarked on this journey. His goal is to provide personalized customer service, add more in-house options and be open from 7AM to 8PM daily. He tries to get there early, only to find his early bird patrons waiting for him to open. The last wash must be in by 7PM.
Greg enjoys chatting with his customers. He’s found that the cozy atmosphere, clean machines, high-capacity washers and dryers, and convenient location bring folks from across Central Maine to the Fairfield Laundromat. He has had customers from Hartland, Gardiner, Unity and Skowhegan, as well as the Waterville area.
There is a small lounge with a TV and snacks available. Folks like the atmosphere and quick service enabling them to check laundry off their to-do list.
When doing your spring cleaning, remember the Fairfield Laundromat is ready to help! There is an old saying “What goes around, comes around!” Greg is living it both literally and laun-dr-y!
Give the Fairfield Laundromat a try at your convenience. They are open 7 days a week at 44 Main Street, or give them a call at 207-710-4444.
