AUBURN — Situated among the retail stores along the busy Center Street commercial business corridor, KP’s Place, a family-friendly and casual dining restaurant, officially opened among family, friends and special guests.

Located at the 245 Center Street Plaza in Auburn, the 1,600-square-foot location is the latest addition to the growing Auburn and Lewiston restaurant scene. Capable of seating over 30 patrons and specializing in fried fresh chicken and seafood, owner Keith Genest couldn’t be more pleased with his location and response.

“It all comes down to value,” said Genest. “There’s comfort in knowing that our name is synonymous with large portions of quality, casual food at a reasonable price.”

Signature dishes feature the chicken and fresh seafood baskets, but the menu also has a wide variety of lunch and dinner selections including sandwiches, snacks, soups, chowders, family meals and more.

“The restaurant space is designed to be open and welcoming,” said Genest. “Our family has always viewed preparation as being the strongest ingredient in our restaurant. We want our customers to see and hear what’s happening in the kitchen at all times because we’re proud of our efficiency, cleanliness, and care that goes into every single meal.”

No stranger to the restaurant scene, Genest highlighted his extensive family restaurant experience.

“It all started when my grandfather and great-uncle began operating Bolley’s Famous Franks in Waterville and Hallowell,” said Genest. “Fast forward a few years and my father and mother opened Don’s Famous Franks in Augusta which my oldest brother runs now. Then you’ve got my other brother who runs Mike’s Place in Farmingdale and my sister who also worked there. All of us at one time or another have worked in each other’s restaurants because it’s a great way to learn the business.”

After announcing a soft opening in July 2012, Genest and staff worked around the clock in preparation for the grand opening.

“The pressure to succeed is intense,” said Genest. “Not including family like my sister, we’ve hired four additional employees that will hopefully help give us a run against our other family restaurants.”

Possessing the skills but having always dreamed of owning his own restaurant, Genest turned to the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments for additional assistance.

“This is a family business and a third-generation veteran familiar with the ins and outs of what it takes to make a restaurant successful,” said Bob Thompson, executive director of AVCOG. “I think this restaurant will be a great asset to the community and we’re proud to have played our role in keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive with small business growth opportunities here today.”

In addition to the dine-in experience, Genest decided to take advantage of the lack of seafood restaurants in the vicinity as well as busy retail area.

“Not everyone has the time to sit and eat during lunch or dinner,” said Genest. “Many of our customers are running their own stores or traveling through this area. Providing the opportunity for large, affordable meals that feature seafood and chicken specialties and that are also available for pick up has been a good business decision.”

Having to hit the ground running in order to take advantage of the summer season, Genest relied heavily on social media and word-of-mouth advertising for his marketing efforts.

“So many people have helped us get this restaurant off the ground,” said Genest. “From local contractors like RDB Construction to the advice from local officials, the advice has been fantastic. Today, I’m proud to be a business owner in Lewiston-Auburn.”

Open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information about KP’s Place, please visit www.facebook.com/kpsplace, call 207-376-4295, or visit their location at the 245 Center Street Plaza in Auburn.

KP’s Place celebrated the grand opening of their new restaurant located at the 245 Center Street Plaza in Auburn on Wednesday, September 26. From left: Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments Executive Director Bob Thompson; Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Board Member Patti Gagne; City of Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald; Owner Keith Genest; City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte; City of Auburn Economic Development Assistant Keith McBride.