BANGOR – The Downtown Bangor Partnership is proud to celebrate the launch of Upstairs at Benjamin’s Restaurant and Pub.

Owners Nikole and Willie Dobbins purchased Benjamin’s Restaurant and Pub from Mandy and Richard “Clarko” Clark in March of 2025 and operated the homey downstairs pub while carefully renovating the larger upstairs portion where they will be able to host events in addition to their regular restaurant service. 

The newly renovated space features a gallery where local artists can display and sell their work. Owners Nikole and Willie Dobbins said of the space, “We wanted to find a way to make the space feel like more than just another place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. We wanted to make room for the people who make Bangor such an interesting place to call home.”

Benjamin’s Pub and Restaurant is known as a local gathering space for comfort food and great drinks, with a seasonally updated menu and cuisine popups and is a local hangout for viewing football games and other sporting events.

Downtown Bangor Partnership Executive Director Betsy Lundy says, “We are excited to see the Dobbins create a welcoming restaurant and event space for the community which is sure to add additional layers of vibrancy to Franklin Street.”

The Grand Opening celebration will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by dinner service and merchandise giveaways until 9 pm. All are welcome to join in the festivities and explore the new space. Restaurant information is available at https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminsBangor . 

For full details, visit the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3kkQqzJA/

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Benjamin’s Restaurant and Pub Grand Opening
123 Franklin St., Bangor, ME 04401
Friday, October 16, 2026
4 pm - 9 pm; ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 pm