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FORT KENT, Maine — Sami Manilas has only lived in Fort Kent for a few years, but in that short time he’s opened three establishments, made countless friends and left an indelible impression on the St. John Valley. I left.
Manilas, 52, died Tuesday shortly after his car plunged into the Fish River, according to the Fort Kent Police Department.
In a 2022 interview, the Laotian-born Manilato spoke about how she and her family immigrated to the United States to escape gunfire and bullets, and that these experiences gave her the energy and motivation to continue as an adult. He added that it continued. She moved to Buffalo, New York when she was eight years old, and then in 2022 she moved to Kent. During this time, she worked remotely as a corporate attorney for the Dallas-based law firm Sumner & Schick.
She also opened three facilities in the area. She has two Sami’s Cuisine and Cocktails restaurants (one in Fort Kent and one in Madawaska) and Club Sami’s, a nightclub co-located with the Fort Kent restaurants.
Amber Rankin, executive director of the Greater Fort Kent Regional Chamber of Commerce, said she first met Manilas in late 2022 when he first opened Sami’s Cuisine and Cocktails.
“She came into my office with her idea and almost jumped a foot off the ground to tell me about it,” Rankin said. “Her energy was as bright as her mood, and the woman never stopped smiling.”
Manilas hosted numerous community events at his facility, including dance parties for children and “The Voices of Northern Maine,” a talent competition for local artists. Rankin recalled several times when she visited one of Manilato’s facilities, where she found it packed from one end to the other.
“She treated her staff and everyone who came into the store like family,” Rankin said. “She showed her love in a million different things and ways. It wasn’t always easy for her, but she got through it with a smile.”
Rankin said each of the Manilato facilities provides more than a dozen jobs.
And the community is already showing their love for Manillas by placing flowers at the entrance of his restaurant in Fort Kent. Wallagrass Mayor Lana Voisin launched the campaign on Wednesday, and was soon followed by Rankin and other area residents.
“I did it because she gave so much to the community,” Voisin said. “We saw everything she did to help everyone. This is our way of saying thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
Voisine said she first met Manilas at a restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day. She said Manilato was in a festive mood and he made everyone feel at home.
“No matter what she was facing, she always had a smile on her face,” Voisine said. “She always welcomed you like a member of her family.”
Voisine said she and other community members were shocked to learn of Manilas’ unexpected death.
Rankin said Manilas will always be a part of Fort Kent, whether in reality or in spirit.
“Sami will step into Fort Kent and leave his mark forever,” she said.
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