Southwest Harbor -
You're not shelling out as much cash as usual for a Maine delicacy this summer.
It's good news for you, but not so good news for fishermen.
A business owner in Southwest Harbor is trying to change that.
Lobster is a big seller at Jaydub's Restaurant in Southwest Harbor.
" People come from away and they want blueberry something and lobster something," said Jon Walker, owner of Jaydub's Restaurant.
The catch is good this year, but prices per pound are hurting lobstermen.
" Our prices is very, very low, ya know, compared to the time and what it takes to operate," said Wayne Davis, a lobsterman who sells to Jaydub's.
Back at the restaurant, they buy directly from lobstermen and have decided to help them out.
" For every lobster roll we sell over the next month, until the middle of August, I'm gonna give a $3 rebate directly back to lobstermen themselves," explained Walker.
Sales of lobster rolls will be tracked and each week, he'll give cash or a check to his lobster suppliers.
" If we don't do something to keep the lobstermen viable I think we're gonna be in trouble," said Walker.
" We're making ends meet, but it's too bad just to make ends meet when you've got a wonderful thing going," added Davis.
The $3 rebate is something Davis has never seen done before, but he is glad it's happening.
" Anything they can do to help us is great," said Davis. " All a man's got when he goes out in the water, he's got his hope and we're still hoping."
The owners of Jaydub's want their plan to keep hope afloat.
The Maine Lobster Promotion Council is launching a campaign in August, including contests and prizes. It is called the Maine Lobster Lover Celebration.
For more information on the event, click here.
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