DIXFIELD — Ellis’ Variety showcased it remodeled store Wednesday with a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Store manager Mary Ellis Jamison, the daughter of store owner Gene Ellis, said dining room windows, LED lights, floors and walls were installed. The new blue paint on the walls shows the store’s support for the Dirigo High School Cougars.

“We’ve always been proud sponsors of the Dirigo Cougars so we wanted to incorporate those colors,” she said.

The four-month refurbishment went on while the 30-year-old store continued to serve its customers.

“Gene really wanted to keep it going because we’re a pretty busy place, we’re right across from the school, and we wanted to make sure that everybody in town had access to the food, the soda, the gas, and it worked well,” Jamison said. “We had some days that were pretty frustrating but we worked through it and got it done.”

“The public has been amazing with being patient with all of the hiccups that we’ve had and working around the renovations,” Jamison said.

Ellis’ Variety is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Ellis’ Variety in Dixfield held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, marking the completion of a major renovation. Celebrating the project, from left, back row, are Cheryl Dickson, River Valley Chamber of Commerce administrator; Catherine Johnson, Hope Association director; Emily Jamison, granddaughter of store owner Gene Ellis; Mary Ellis Jamison, store manager and daughter of Gene Ellis; Gene Ellis, store owner; Greg Gagne, Bangor Savings Bank manager; Aaron Jamison, husband of Mary Ellis Jamison; and Gene Skibitsky, selectman; in front, Ty Giberson, owner of Western Mountain Contracting Services; and Hailee Ellis, granddaughter of Gene Ellis.

Customers at Ellis’ Variety in Dixfield are served in the newly remodeled dining area where windows have been installed, LED lights added and new flooring installed. A grand reopening was held Wednesday.