Sponsor Spotlight: Fifty-Five Kitchen & Bar and Lakes Region Design Group

Interview with Amy Grimm, owner of Fifty-Five Main Kitchen & Bar and Jeremy Martin, owner of Lakes Region Design Group

When the historic 1911 building at 55 Main Street in downtown Meredith hit the market, Amy Grimm saw more than a weathered, crumbling structure; she saw a catalyst for community revitalization. Recognizing the potential of the surrounding architecture, Grimm envisioned an anchor project that would draw foot traffic to the village and encourage new retail growth. Her ultimate goal is to transform this site into a destination restaurant, complemented by a long-term plan to develop adjacent buildings into a mix of commercial and residential spaces.

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To execute this vision, Grimm partnered with Jeremy Martin, President of Lakes Region Design Group. Martin brings over 20 years of construction management experience to the project, which encompasses the renovation of both 55 Main Street and 4 Water Street. Lakes Region Design Group offers a comprehensive, "turn-key" service model, managing every phase from initial design and construction to ongoing property management. This partnership ensures that Grimm can focus on her vision for the property while Lakes Region Design handles the complex technical requirements.

Progress at Fifty-Five Main Kitchen and Bar has been methodical, driven by a commitment to historic preservation over the expediency of new construction. The project has faced significant structural obstacles, most notably addressing substantial groundwater flow beneath the building. To stabilize the structure and prevent further sinking, the team installed a comprehensive structural steel frame supported by large concrete footings. During excavation, the crew also uncovered a historic wooden gravity-flow water line connected to Lake Waukewan, highlighting the site’s deep connection to the town's history.

As Grimm notes, "It would have been faster to knock it down, but with historic preservation, you never know what you’ll face. I’ll take my time because it’s important to get the job done right."

Beyond their construction efforts, both Grimm and Martin prioritize civic engagement and philanthropy. Grimm serves on several local town committees and supports the Squam Lakes Science Center, while Martin dedicates a portion of his firm’s profits to local charitable causes.

Central to their community work is a shared commitment to the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund. “As a mother, I recognize children are our next generation of chefs, construction workers, and craftspeople”, explains Grimm. “Everyone deserves support, but children, in particular, need our care”, she says. Martin shares the sentiment particularly regarding the holiday season. “I often think about the children who might go without during the holidays,” Martin notes. “When we have the means to provide, we have an obligation to ensure everyone can enjoy a happy holiday season”. To tangibly demonstrate their support for these families, Fifty-Five Main Kitchen & Bar and Lakes Region Design Group served as “Santa Sponsors” for The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund’s Christmas in July 2026 event.