Member Highlight: Lucerne Inn
One of the most anticipated events for our chamber members is the annual business after hours at the Lucerne Inn with members of the Ellsworth chamber joining us under the big tent enjoying each other, beautiful views and amazing hospitality from the owners of the Inn, David and Jayne Silverman. Mark your calendar for August 10th!
The Lucerne Inn dates back to the 1800’s beginning as a private home known as the “Lake House” In 1814 the Lake House became a Half Way House, the only stop between Ellsworth and Bangor, offering food, drink, and lodging. This set the roots for the eventual establishment of the inn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lucerne Inn is the original structure from the early 1800s. David and Jane Silverman became the most recent owners of this historic landmark one year ago! Deb checked in with them to talk about their first year in business.
How does it feel to be celebrating your first year as owners of the Lucerne Inn?
It feels amazing!! Thanks to our wonderful chef Arturo Montes and the whole staff that have helped us transition seamlessly. We would also like to express our gratitude to our guests for making it all worthwhile.
What were you doing and where were you living prior to taking ownership of the Lucerne Inn?
David was managing a full service Steakhouse “Bobby Vans” at JFK Airport and Jayne was a stylist at Nordstrom–We were living in Long Beach NY What made you make the decision to change your life soradically? For our entire careers, we were both working long hard hours for other people and decided it was time to take the leap and do it for ourselves.
Is owning an Inn what you expected it to be? Yes and more. We love it!
Is there anything you don’t enjoy?
Being away from our daughter who lives in New Jersey and works for Keller Williams residential real estate in New York City
What changes have you made to the property and whatchanges are planned? We have made several changes including a total remodel of our first floor public restroom. The downstairs event room had new floors and lighting installed as well as new colors for the walls. We have also installed period artwork in all the public spaces and have started repainting all the guest rooms along with the Pub. We have also planted new gardens. Future improvements include repainting all the public spaces and guest rooms as well as replacing the flooring/carpeting in those areas—we would also like to build an outside deck for expanded Pub dining.
Looking back over your first year in business, what are youmost proud of?
Return guests coming back and telling us what a wonderful experience we have created for them Thanks to Jayne and David for making the investment and commitment to one of the premiere landmarks in our region. Let’s gather to celebrate them and this great place we call home on August 10th!
