PHILLIPS – The owner of the area’s newest business is serving up pizzas and sandwiches from his location Route 4, while hoping to contribute to the town’s economic growth.
Jon Burrington, 25 of Phillips, moved to the region a couple years ago from Philadelphia, where he has roughly six years experience in the restaurant industry. While he moved to western Maine to work in the field of banking, Burrington said he decided to take a chance and open a variety/convenience store on Route 4, just north of Phillips.
“I want it to be a place everyone can stop at,” Burrington said. “Hunters, truckers, anyone who wants to come off the road and get out of the cold.”
His store, Cornerstone Grill, fills a void in Phillips left when Bear Hill Variety, which had been at the same location, closed five years ago. For now, Burrington serves fresh pizza, breakfast sandwiches and subs, with burgers set to hit the menu in a week or so.
“The biggest thing we’re preaching now is patience,” Burrington said, noting that as a new business, Cornerstone Grill hadn’t the chance to develop an inventory. Ready-to-go breakfast sandwiches are available from 6 to 9 a.m. and pizza slices are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Burrington said that he became interested in the location after hearing from a number of Phillips residents about the importance of having a store like Cornerstone Grill in town. He said he was hoping that opening the store would help improve the town’s economy, as the Sandy River Business Association and others seek to draw new businesses and investment into Phillips.
“I’m hoping to try and improve the town of Phillips a bit,” Burrington said.
The owner, who also serves as a local youth leader at the Lighthouse Christian Church, intends to eventually begin donating 10 percent of his proceeds to local groups and organizations.
Cornerstone Grill is open from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Outlook, work ethic, and leadership…what a terrific combination. Thankful to read about young leaders and their accomplishments and dreams on behalf of their communities!
Sounds like this young mans heart is in the right place.
Trying to do good things,,,Nothing wrong with that !!
Lets give it a try.
Best of Luck !!
Nice job Jon!
Good to see young people trying to make a difference. Good luck with the new business.
Best of luck!!
Congratulations! Remember that good business practices are godly principles. Never lose sight of that.
Good Luck Jon !!
Customer service seem to be lost these days. This new store should be a breath of fresh air! People will travel out of thier way for good service and a good product . MOST important will be a GOOD cup of Joe which is also hard to find these days. Good luck Jon, dont give up
I’ve heard the pizzas are wicked awesome!!! I have heard that from many of my friends..I’m fixing to go there the next night we want pizza. Good customer service and great food are the number one reasons you will succeed ..
Good luck Jon and see you soon!