Born and raised in Gorham, singer and business owner Karen Nason is excited to be returning home…and in a big way. She will be opening Grand Central Wine Bar at 7 Railroad Avenue in the new Station Square building.

“I graduated from Gorham High School, started my first business at age 16 delivering Broadway Birthday grams, and was a famous singer throughout the state. I love Maine and am excited to be coming back.”

Nason, who moved to New York City at the age of 21, is designing her bar to be reminiscent of Grand Central Station with gold hues, teal green ceilings, and a baby grand piano. “I began my career in New York City as a singer at the famed Elaine’s bar and restaurant on the Upper East Side. Owner Elaine Kaufman was like a second mother to me.”

In returning to Gorham, she said, “I want to create a space where USM students, local musicians, and artists can display their talent. I want to give back and help others as Elaine helped me when I was first starting out – I want to be the Elaine of Maine.”

While in New York City, Nason opened a plant store called the “King and I” and soon became known as the ‘plant lady to the stars’ catering to such names as Johnny Depp, David Bowie, and Peter Gabriel. When high rent costs crept into her New York neighborhood, Nason moved to Hoboken, New Jersey where she continued her entrepreneurial endeavors opening Hoboken Hothouse, combination plant shop, café, and jazz club. Eventually, “I ended up running for mayor in Hoboken. I knew I wasn’t going to win but I wanted to bring attention to the lack of arts and culture in the area.”