Mark Friery, a Plum Island, Newburyport, MA resident, opened the Plum Island Grille in June of 1999, with the intention of creating a high quality and fun year round dining destination that served healthy, great tasting, simple, elegant food made from the freshest ingredients available. Mark's interest in the restaurant business began as a teenager when his father opened a steak house. This afforded him the opportunity to gain great hands on experience in all aspects of the business. He continued to work in various restaurants throughout college and law school, and gained an appreciation for the power of combining great food and spirited service with creative art, design and atmosphere. His love of the creative side of the business has contributed to the unique look of both restaurants. Mark used his artistic sensibilities and business skills to create the Plum Island Grille from a seasonal clam shack facing a gas station into a year round destination restaurant facing endless marsh views and sensational sunsets. By teaming up with a creative builder and an exceptional art gallery, Friery created a casual, eclectic island dining spot that combines driftwood, dramatic color, funky art and stunning natural vistas. In early 2005, Mark again brought all the right ingredients to the table in creating yet another spectacular venue. The Powow River Grille was formed from dark mill building space into a soho style loft with a modern open kitchen growing into the space from one side and glass walls facing a millyard water fall on another. The result complements the pre-existing vast expanses of brick and lofty tin ceilings. Friery, an attorney with a finance and banking background, has extensive business start-up experience across a range of industries serving as both an entrepreneur and as an advisor to other entrepreneurs. Mark continues to enjoy the challenge of turning the mundane into something spectacular!