VASSALBORO, Maine — A deliberately set fire destroyed a topless coffee shop early Wednesday, just hours after the owner talked with local officials about making the business more like a strip club, investigators said.
The fire at the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop was reported just before 1 a.m.
The coffee shop featured waiters and waitresses without shirts serving coffee and doughnuts. Owner Donald Crabtree had met Tuesday night with planning officials to discuss adding a disc jockey, expanding parking and extending the hours of operation.
Crabtree said he spent $277,000 buying and renovating the former motel in Vassalboro, just north of Augusta. It wasn’t insured, he said. He and six others who live in the old motel escaped the fire unharmed.
Crabtree said he’s determined to reopen his business.
While many people dropped by Wednesday to show support, it was clear that others were pleased about the fire, said Paul Crabtree, the owner’s brother.
“It’s sad to see people driving by and acting happy about it,” he said.
