In the heart of Ellicott City, MD you will find Phoenix Upper Main, an American-style restaurant known locally for their exceptional burgers and wide selection of wine and beer. The owner, Mark Hemmis, has extensive experience in the food service and restaurant industry and is passionate about providing his customers with a well thought out menu and exceptional service. In an effort to support local businesses and provide the best ingredients, the restaurant sources their beef from a butcher shop in Baltimore County. “It’s as fresh as it gets,” Mark says. He is passionate about the community and aims to ensure that every patron who comes into the restaurant instantly feels at home.
In 2018, the restaurant was featured on a national television show – 24 Hours to Hell and Back – where Gordon Ramsey came to help out local businesses in the area that had been affected by the 2018 flooding.
Following the flooding in 2018, as the Ellicott City area was going through many changes, Mark had the opportunity to move his restaurant to the top of the hill on Main Street and rebrand as Phoenix Upper Main. The move enabled him to have a larger space in a beautiful historic building with over 40 years of history. The owners of the building, which had previously operated as a brewery, had a relationship with FNB Small Business Finance and recommended that Mark reach out to them for a business loan. At that time, he was put in contact with Jeanne Dodd, who after understanding the business and Mark’s financing needs, put him in contact with our experienced SBA Business Development Officer. Our team was able to put together an SBA financing solution that would work for Mark and his expanding restaurant.
This is what Mark had to say about his experience working with the FNB Small Business Finance team:
He brought tremendous experience to the table. He walked me through the entire SBA loan process, set up checklists, and helped keep me moving. I would absolutely recommend FNB Small Business Finance to other business owners. My experience was fantastic. They made the process transparent and as easy as it could be!
We look forward to seeing Mark’s continued success with Phoenix Upper Main! If you are in the area, be sure to stop in to check out their new space and famous burgers.
