Lost opportunity for Bryant Pond

It is great to see a newly expanded Breau’s Too in Bryant Pond Village. The store and restaurant will bring needed goods and services to the community and provide a place where people can socialize over a cup of coffee and some food.

While at almost the same time as the new Breau’s Too is opening another Bryant Pond business is closing. We were saddened to see the shuttering of the Feeding Friendzy. Our family has enjoyed visiting Wendy and purchasing some of her delicious baked goods. Having both stores open for business would have been good for Bryant Pond.

We realize that the situation is complex, but I hope that the town has a long-term vision for revitalizing the village. Regardless of people’s opinion of the Feeding Friendzy, most people would agree that having an additional retail presence in the village is better than another abandoned building. We would hope that during these difficult economic times the town will do what they can to support local businesses like the Feeding Friendzy and Breau’s Too and balance the greater needs of the community vs. the specific technicalities of various zoning laws.

Bryant Pond and the surrounding community have much to offer. We were hopeful that the village was going to have two complementary businesses. This would have reduced our need to travel to Norway or Bethel for goods and services allowing me to spend more money locally. The closing of the Feeding Friendzy for many people in the area has reduced, not enhanced, the quality of life.

We wish Breau’s the best of luck at their new location and are happy to see the old Village Store building open and thriving again. It would have been nice to have the building across the street open to all as well. Have we let an opportunity pass for an improved Bryant Pond Village with the closing of the Feeding Friendzy?

The Wickersham Family

Bryant Pond