Brookfield Business Spotlight: Maggie McFly's

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Maggie’s Management Group, LLC
Owner: Ray Harper
Website: www.maggiemcflys.com
Address:199 Park Road Ext., Suite 107, Middlebury, CT. 06762

How did you come up with the name? Founder Ray Harper wanted a woman’s name, which he considers more convivial, and was inspired to create an aviator persona based on a biplane reproduction he found in his travels which was hung from the ceiling in his first Maggie’s in Middlebury in 1993.

Why start a business in this town? Brookfield, which was the third Maggie’s to open in 2007, offered a strong retail setting which would prove that the concept could work in a variety of different scenarios.

Briefly, what business are you in? The restaurant business.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Managing through three recessions.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening? Developing the talents and skills of other people to run the business.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community? It works with various civic and charitable organizations, as well as local school fundraising initiatives.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.