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I am planning to open a small music shop in my house in Cornish, Maine.

Initially it will just be in the two front rooms of the house, some day I hope to move it to the barn and add a live music venue (if I win the lottery). The house was built in 1850 and has 9 bedrooms (yes, 9). If you think that's crazy, It's only me and my two dogs (unfortunately my partner of 9 years decide to move back to Florida where her family lives).
And I will be doing some air BNB. Cornish is a destination spot with lots of antique shops, lovely old New England homes, great restaurants and more https://www.cornish-maine.org/

The house is at 48 Maple Street, it will eventually have a red front door and the barn doors will be red (antique red, not bright red).
I will be selling piano and music related products (some of the items currently available in my online store, www.PianoSupplies.com).

I need to decide on a name that ties in and is easily remembered.
I've created a poll to get some input from our music loving forums members.

If you choose Other, please reply to this thread with your suggestion.

This is the house.

What's In a Name? multiple choice, up to 2 choices
	Red Door Music
	48 Maple Street Music
	Maple Street Music
	The Music Shop at 48 Maple
	48 Maple Music
	Maple Street Music Barn
	Other?
Votes accepted starting: 01/13/20 07:06 AM
View Results

I voted. Let us know what you decide, Frank.

Are all the names available?

I voted Maple Street Music, but would like to add something... "Maple Street Music and Stuff"

That way, it will always be associated with "Music" but would allow you to add other, miscellaneous merchandise, if desired.

My son, and his Blues Band, performs once a month or so at a place called "Bank Street Cafe" in Griffin, Ga. They always have live music on Friday nights, and have a variety of local bands and talent to perform on a rotating schedule. The restaurant has been very successful.

Fact is, "Maple Street Music and Cafe" has a nice ring to it, if you know how to cook, or hire others that do.

Good luck!

Rick

I'd keep it really simple and just call it "Maple Street"

Just another thought:

"Maple Street Music & More"

Rick

Without seeing your list I already thought, how about "Maple Street Music". So that got my vote.

I would have voted for "Maple Street Music Shop" had it been available. The word "shop" in the name tells me I can buy music related items there; otherwise I might wonder if it was a place to take music lessons.

My impression was also that most of those names sound like a place to take music lessons. A name like "Stuff for Music Lovers" makes it clear it's not talking about music lessons. Although you didn't explicitly say you aren't giving music lessons...

Before you spend a bunch of money setting this up, be sure you have the necessary permits for things like zoning approval. Your neighbours might not be happy if you set up a storefront in a residential area so it's best to get the approvals nailed down sooner than later.

Also, if you're going to get into a live performance venue you'll need to meet a whole lot of regulations that don't otherwise apply. An "assembly occupancy" (which is anything that gets a bunch of people into a room together like a church or a theatre) is regulated for things that you've never thought of. Maximum distance from a seat to the exit, minimum size of exit door width per person capacity, emergency lighting, electrical service capacity, and other things like that can jump up and bite you, especially in an older building that was not originally intended for the new use. And if you do a restaurant/food service operation then you'll have to meet health regulations (fridge temperature, stove vent hoods) as well.

There are a lot of hoops to jump through but it's better to jump through them before you set something up and have some guy with a clipboard show up and tells you to rip it out again.

Thanks Frank, I've already researched things, started before I bought the house.
The area is zoned historic/commercial

I've already spoken to all of the abbuters and they are excited about the shop.
I'm meeting with the CEO of the town tonight, he will help me put together what I need when I go before the board.
And I've already spoken to some of the board members.

The live venue is a long way off. I don't have the funds to fix the barn up right now.

This is a good point.

The Maine Secretary of State will probably let you incorporate under any of the name choices you listed, but if/when you start marketing on the internet you may find your name confusingly similar to a bunch of other internet marketers of music-related product already using a "Maple Street" name. Google is your friend here.

Larry.

Hi Frank -
I picked Maple Street Music and think it would make a great T shirt, which you could sell. We wish you the very best luck with your new business and perhaps someday soon we might schedule a trip to Maine because I would love to stop by and because Maine is gorgeous.

Cornish Music Emporium

Pwg

Maple Street Music has a great sound to it - and you could have that as the business name, with a description that you ALWAYS used underneath it in your ads and other places where the business was listed (all social media platforms, etc.)... such as:

Maple Street Music
-------------------------
Music & Piano related gifts and accessories

(or something much catchier...)

"Maple Street Music" - - it's easy to remember - - and it truly does have a ring to it.

I agree with j&j above - - in that this is a name that also lends itself to t-shirts, baseball hats, and other items.

For a logo, perhaps the business name could be somehow embedded in an image that reflects the State of Maine (map) - - which would also work if you used the description - - because it's wider at the bottom.

let us all know what you ultimately decide - - and the very best of luck to you!

How about "Maple Street Rag" to loosely tie in to piano?

Because 48 will ring a bell for pianists because of Bach, it would be a shame not to use it, especially as you're selling piano related goods.

OTOH Maple Street Music has a great ring to it.

I voted for "Maple Street Music"

BUT I really prefer

"Maple Street Music Shop"

or more quaint..."Maple Street Music Shoppe"

Carey,
I like Maple Street Music Shop too.
I've purchased the domain (added to the 47 domains I own).

Thank you.

Frank - That's terrific !!

Kudos to Stubbie for coming up with the name first.

Such a beautiful old house. I wish you nothing but the best with your new endeavor !!