SipLab Is Coming To Orono's Old Margaritas Spot On Mill Street

Something new's about to be brewin' in a location in downtown Orono that's been empty for over a year.

It came as a shock to many in Eastern Maine when the longtime Orono business Margarita's closed its doors for good after more than four decades in the heart of the town that calls itself the home of the University of Maine Black Bears.

Margarita's Orono 3, Cori Skall/Meghan Jordan

The prime space, located right next to another Orono Mill Street staple, Pat's Pizza, stood shuttered for over a year. But there are signs of life in the storefront now, along with the possibility of something new opening up in that space soon.

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According to their slogan, "Day Tea, Night Sip, Great Vibes", the 15 Mill Street location will be home to a new double-duty cafe called SipLab, open both during the day and in the evening.

The new business says it will feature daily drafted premium tea & drinks made from fresh, quality ingredients in a cozy space where folks can come to meet up with friends, study, or just relax and unwind.

While they did not give an official opening date on any of the "coming soon" signs taped to the building's windows, they did say that they were working on a cocktail menu and still buttoning up those last few details until things can be made official and the doors opened for business.

The company is currently hiring for a shift leader and a pair of baristas to join their opening team. Those interested can email their resumes to jobs@siplabdrink.com.

Orono's Planning and Development Operator, EJ Roach, says the owners have been busy working on the renovations, and when those are completed, the town will issue them a certificate of occupancy.

We'll keep you updated on an opening date when one is made public.