Bill and Holly Chandler are the new owners of the renamed Cook’s Hardware store, Gorham Ace Hardware. The Chandlers are longtime Maine residents with ties to Gorham. Bill attended Gorham High School and Holly attended college at the University of Southern Maine. The family was drawn to Gorham because of their familiarity with the town.

The Chandlers currently own another Ace hardware store in Yarmouth. When previous owner Phil Cook was ready to retire, he offered to sell the Gorham store to the couple as they were already in the business and friends with the Cook family.

The hardware store, located at 57 Main Street, will be back under the Ace brand in a few weeks. With the exception of the name, no noticeable changes to the store are currently planned, however Ace rewards will be offered.

The Chandlers have a son and daughter who are in the hardware business as well and take pride in the family aspect.

Gorham Ace Hardware is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact the store at (207) 839-4856. Ace Hardware is a chain retailer stocking household tools, supplies and more. Many locations are family-run or independently owned.

Coming in our next issue… a look back at the history of Cook’s Hardware.