MaineBiz interviewed Elsmere BBQ co-founders Adam Powers and Jeremy Rush about the second Elsmere they have under development on Stevens Ave in the former Siano’s.
“What attracted us is that the property is the same model as this place, where you’re nestled into a neighborhood,” said Powers. “It’s not tourist-reliant. To use a cliché, if someone goes there, everyone will know your name.”
Powers, Rush and their new business partner Nat Towl hope to open this new Elsmere in May.
A new on-the-water food delivery service called Waypoint Provisions (instagram) is set to launch in Casco Bay this May.
Nikaline Iacono is launching a new venture called Vessel and Vine (facebook, instagram) at 4 Pleasant Street in Brunswick.
The 1,500 square foot space will be home to a hybrid wine and beer retail store, vintage and new glassware and barware shop combined with a bar serving a beer, wine, cocktails and a compact menu of small plates (see below).
The drinks list will feature a rotating by the glass and bottle selection of wines from small producers with some natural wines in the mix. The bar will have 3 beers on tap, and serve a cocktail list featuring fortified and/or aromatized wines. Iacono plans to have a program for developing bitters and infusions for use in their cocktails and will be creating a house-made vermouth.
The Bearded Lady will be hosting Iacono on February 24th where she’ll be serving a line-up of V&V cocktails.
I first met Nikaline back in 2008 when she was the bartender at the then newly launched Emilitsa, and am excited to see her vision for Vessel & Vine come together. She plans to open V&V in March.
Here’s a look at the draft menu created by chef Matt DeFio.
The number and diversity of vendors operating in the Public Market House has expanded significantly since they opened. It’s now home to Ameera Bread, Big Sky, Bow Street, Crepe Cafe, Daily Greens, Kamasouptra, Maiz, Pho Co, Sticky Sweet.
The mix and layout is set to change again. Bow Street is soon to move out to their new building at 495 Forest Ave and Cafe Crepe is making room downstairs for Maine Squeeze to move from the second floor. Those changes will free up two spots in the Market for new vendors.
This week’s edition of the Portland Phoenix includes:
The Press Herald has posted an update on Dunstan Tap & Table (website, facebook, instagram) the new restaurant under construction in Scarborough by the owners of Shay’s in Monument Square.
Brenerman said the couple had looked for a suitable location for about six or seven years. They noticed a need in Scarborough for a pub-style restaurant, and other businesses had begun to move into the Dunstan development.
Brenerman said Shay’s is a place where regulars congregate and everyone knows one another, an atmosphere they would like to foster at Dunstan Tap & Table.
For more information also check out this artcle by Mainebiz.
After 3 years in development, an ownership change and a name change the lobster shack under construction at 425 Fore Street continues to move forward. The Maine Lobster Shack (website, facebook, instagram, twitter) has applied for a liquor license and has recently started recruiting staff. The 38-seat restaurant will also have additional seating for 14 outdoors in the Summer.
Here’s the draft menu (pages 50-51) supplied with the application:
A new Italian food truck called The Truffle Truck (website, facebook, instagram, twitter) is under development with plans to launch later this year on Commercial Street.
Chef Corrado Cassoni is planning a menu that includes tajarin and truffles, potato stuffed agnolotti and truffles, arancini, pasta e fagioli, carbonara with lobster and truffles, and pannaacotta with truffles. Truffle Truck promises “Authentic Italian Cuisine of the highest quality at an affordable price”.
Arcadia has leased additional space adjacent to their bar/arcade on Preble Street to expand their business. The additional space will enable the build out of a kitchen, tables and booths for seating and “a more open flow” to Arcadia overall. As part of the project they’re rebuilding the bar and adding a 12-line tap system.
Construction has already begun. Arcadia plans to close for a few weeks starting at the end of February when they’re ready to connect the two space and move the bar, and plan to re-open in Mid-April. During that time they’ll be running a Night Pinball League at Coast City Comics and their “games will be scattered across breweries and a restaurant or two around town”.
The Forecaster has published an update on the collaboration between Rawanda Bean, White Cap Coffee and Cape Whoopies under construction at 185 Cottage Rd.
No name has been decided on yet, but Marcia Wiggins, of Cape Whoopies, said she has been lobbying for “Coffee Guys and Whoopie Pies,” to encompass all aspects of the business and those involved — Ben Graffius and Tom Marlow of White Cap Coffee, and Mike Mwenedata and Nick Mazuroski of Rwanda Bean Coffee.
The businesses are all relatively young, and less than five years into operation, and the owners said they are pleased with the growth that has allowed them to lease the space on Cottage Road at the foot of Meetinghouse Hill.