Primo Restaurant - Restaurant

Digging Deep for Greener Pastures
Posted on May 4, 2007

Primo: digging deep for greener pastures Taking green to a new level, making a commitment to the area, the consumer, their land. Eating well, while eating green. Partners Melissa Kelly and Price Kushner who together opened Primo in 2000 have taken on a new approach. After running a somewhat environmentally friendly business for the past seven years, this couple has decided to take the next step. With a major renovation this winter Primo is bringing the 130 year old Victorian house into 21^st century. Working with local tradesmen that approach their projects holistically, there have been several changes made which will make an impact on Primo’s carbon footprint here in mid-coast Maine. Energy efficient technologies and conservation practices for existing lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and office equipment have all been upgraded. Water efficiency and conservation for existing foodservice equipment, garden and plumbing have all be reworked. Upgrades to refrigeration will also conserve energy. Rockport Mechanical has converted all of Primo’s bathroom fixtures to new and innovative dual flush toilets, which can deliver up to a 40% water savings as compared to a conventional toilet, without sacrificing performance. They have also installed two waterless urinals which save up to 45,000 gallons of water per urinal and supports our intent for the sustainability of our natural resources. George Haselton of Harvest fuels has also installed a grey water heat exchange system to conserve energy needed to produce hot water for the ware washing station at Primo. Primo has switched to Biodiesel fuel which will also be provided by Harvest Fuel.The Primary benefits of heating with BioHeatTM include:

Reduces imports of foreign oil
A renewable energy source
All made in the state of Maine
Much cleaner burning than #2 fuel oil
Healthier for your family and the environment
Supports our local economy and America’s farmers
Requires no system modifications
Involves less routine maintenance
The cost is competitive with #2 home heating oil

Bioheat™ is the name for Biodiesel when it is used for heating oil. As in Biodiesel when it is used in transportation fuel, it is a premium product due to its superior lubricity which helps reduce equipment wear and premature breakdown. In addition, since this fuel is cleaner burning, there are fewer deposits to build up on the walls of your heat exchanger which leads to better heat transfer and therefore better efficiency.Primo will continue to follow their purchasing of local, sustainable and organic products. This includes their own plot of land, of which 2 acres is organically farmed…prohibiting the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Recycling practices of such items as glass, plastic, cardboard, metal, grease, ink & toner cartridges and paper will continue. Food waste is diverted from landfills and made into nutrient rich soil through the use of on-site composting. Table scraps are fed to the restaurants 4 resident Heirloom hogs.A clearer focus will be made to purchase chlorine-free paper, biodegradable and recyclable products. Primo continues to source and use non-toxic cleaning and chemical products, free of hazardous ingredients and safe for people, animals and the environment. Primo has purchased Chilewich tabletop coverings for the bar and upstairs dining rooms which are a USA made, sustainable product in that they are washable, this will help to reduce energy and laundry costs…and reduce the chemical process used for these applications.There have also been two new handicapped accessible bathrooms added to the first floor, as well as a new ramp entrance on the front porch. The bar at primo has been doubled in size and will serve a late night menu with fun seasonal promotions such as $1.00 oysters on Thursdays and Sundays after 8 pm. The menu will continue to change with the local and seasonal foods and the new expansive bar which includes a lounge area will serve a separate, small plates menu, pizzas and lighter fare as well as the regular menu. All in all, Primo is standing tall with one foot steeped in tradition, techniques and history and one foot stepping into the 21^st century with a bright new outlook and a healthy future.