Prince and Rose Adams won this Inn located in Lovell, Maine, with their 200-word essay.
CORAL BAY — Ten-year-old Jacob Adams’ dreams of owning a Great Dane are about to come true.
The son of Prince and Rose Adams, owners of Sweet Plantains restaurant in Coral Bay, promised Jacob Adams that he could get the large dog only if they moved to a big house out in the country.
“He always wanted a Great Dane,” said Prince Adams. “For two years he’s been obsessed with the idea. I told him there was no way we could have a Great Dane down here. It’s like a small horse and there was no way we could keep it in our little house.”
“He kept bugging us about it so I finally told him the only way we’ll get a Great Dane is if we get a big, big house out in the country,” Prince Adams said. “We’re urban people. I thought there was no way that would happen.”
Soon, the family will be calling remote Lovell, Maine home. Prince Adams penned the winning essay in contest with the grand prize being the 200-year-old Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant in western Maine. Current Center Lovell Inn owner Janice Sage won the historic hotel and restaurant 22 years ago after writing her own winning essay. Ready to retire, Sage decided to offer the inn to new owners the same way she had won it, charging $125 per entry.
In his 200 word essay, Prince Adams detailed some of the lessons he had gleaned by opening and operating Sweet Plantains over the past 12 years.
“Hospitality is more than good manners, proper etiquette, great food and a comfortable room: it is also about being consistent, keeping pace with customers’ demands and taking good care of the staff,” Prince Adams wrote. “However the welfare of a marriage is always of paramount importance. Undoubtedly our passion, hospitality and commitment is the perfect recipe for a successful marriage to the beautiful Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant.”
Prince Adams composed the essay and sent it off a few months ago, not giving the idea of winning much thought, he explained.
“It was like playing the lotto,” said Prince Adams. “You dream for a five minutes and that’s it. We didn’t expect it at all. It was crazy when we got the call. We were totally caught off guard.”
The Adams received the call announcing their win on June 6 and started planning their new life, ready to trade their Coral Bay harbor view for one of the White Mountains.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Rose Adams is the genius of the kitchen at Sweet Plantains, whipping up down-island influenced, nuanced flavors that have drawn a steady loyal clientele to the Coral Bay restaurant who clamor for the ceviches, curry dishes and addictive hot wings.
Prince Adams is the master behind the bar, showcasing a variety of rums and tropical juices in his signature cocktails, which he plans to share with rural Maine residents soon.
Rose and Prince Adams served their last meals at Sweet Plantains on Saturday, June 13, and shuttered their doors. The family is currently preparing for the move north and getting ready to welcome a new addition to the family — the Great Dane Jacob Adams has already named Bowser.
Adams’ Winning Essay
Twelve years ago, we embarked on the journey of painstakingly converting a dilapidated building into a charming guesthouse and restaurant. We were newly married and learned important lessons that both solidified our relationship and allowed us to have a thriving business in the process. A successful marriage requires passion, hospitality and commitment. Perhaps the same is true for this venture.
Hospitality is more than good manners, proper etiquette, great food and a comfortable room: it is also about being consistent, keeping pace with customers’ demands and taking good care of the staff. However the welfare of a marriage is always of paramount importance.
My wife is the talented chef with a culinary degree, catering and restaurant management experience. I have marketing, inn-keeping, bartending and handyman skills. Our teamwork earned us several TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and top peoples’ choice accolades, including Best Chef, Best Gourmet Dining and Best Bartending. This contest is fortuitous since we now aspire to finally own a place outright; somewhere to share our love of fine food, great wines and entertaining with others. Undoubtedly our passion, hospitality and commitment is the perfect recipe for a successful marriage to the beautiful Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant.
