After Years of Sitting Empty, Maine’s China-Dine-ah to Take on a New Life

If you've been in or around the Central Maine area at any point over the last nearly two decades, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the iconic Central Maine eatery, The China Dine-ah.

Founded by local entrepreneur and G&E Roofing owner, Norm Elvin, the China Dine-ah opened on Lakeview Drive, Route 202 in South China, Maine. The restaurant, which took the place of a former hardware store, quickly became a place where locals and 'folks from away' alike would gather to dine with friends, family and pleasant strangers from around the world.

To know the China Dine-ah was to love the China Dine-ah. After success with the restaurant, Norm then expanded a chicken take-out model at the China Dine-ah Too, just a few miles down the road on Route 3 in South China.

Additionally, Norm then turned the back storage area at the China Dine-ah into the Grain Room Lounge. A place with music, beer on tap, custom bar stools and an atmosphere of 'fun and chill'.

Years later, Norm then sold the China Dine-ah to local businesswoman and Lisa's Restaurant owner, Lisa Wardwell. Lisa loved running the China Dine-ah and she was so good at it!

Unfortunately, like so many other businesses around the country, the COVID pandemic had adverse effects on the industry and the restaurant was forced to close. In 2022, Norm bought the building back and it has since sat empty for the last several years.

However, after searching for the 'right fit' business to take over the building, the former China Dine-ah will soon have new life inside.

According to a post from, Norm Elvin,

The former China Dine-ah is taking on a new life !!! So thrilled for Grace and Zack, the community is going to be the big winner. I would also like to thank the town for your patience, it was worth the wait to fine the right use for the building. It’s going to be another fun project but the demolition of the interior walls and the booths was painful, so many great memories from 2007-2013 when I sold it . I then bought the building back in 2022. Welcome “Graces Busy Bees Learning Center “

According to a post from the new owner, Grace McIntyre,