Category: Maine

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• The Crooked Spoon (instagram) is moving into The Block Saloon space in Thomaston which will now serve as their production kitchen and where they’ll operate a weekly dinner service on Friday nights, 5:30 – 11 pm beginning on June 20th. You can also experience their hand made pasta at their weekly Monday night pop-up at The Waldoboro Inn and at the Rockland Farmers Market. The Crooked Spoon is run by chef Samuel Emery and Chloe Chalakani.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that Maineport Brewing in Searsport has debuted a new tasting room.
• Sam Ostrow has closed down Secundo, the South Berwick outpost of his Kittery restaurant Festina Lente. “It is with a lot of mixed emotions that as of today we are closing Secundo. We built a beautiful space, served exquisitely crafted food & beverage, and provided warm hospitality since opening. Thank you to all of our patrons that have shared their evenings and special occasions with us, and thank you to all of the staff members that made Secundo such a wonderful place to spend our time.”
• Sara Rademaker and her Waldoboro company American Unagi were featured by Food & Wine magazine in their 5th annual Game Changers list.
• Crooked Keg Brewing has launched a $25k Go Fund Me crowdfunding campaign to help them launch an arcade and tap room in Lisbon. They previously operated a tasting room in Brunswick.
• The owner of Riverside Grill, in Dover-Foxcroft is running a restaurant give away essay contest. The winner will gain ownership of the Riverside Grill, all equipment, the building it’s in as well as a $10,000 vendor credit. There’s a $100 entry fee for the contest and the drawing is taking place on October 1st.
• Bay Bowls has launched their new location at 45 Water Street in Bath.
• A new food truck called QP Burger (instagram) is under development in Tenants Harbor. The menus is expected to include “hybrid smash burgers, red snapper hot dogs, and crinkle cut French fries” and the Bangor Daily News reports that a new food truck park is expected next week in Belfast.
• The Press Herald reports that Mornings in Paris will be opening a new cafe in Falmouth.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

 

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• The Laughing Loon (website, instagram) in Norway is launching tomorrow, May 31st. It’s located in Norway at 15 Harrison Road. They’ll initially be open Thursday through Sunday, 11 am – 8 pm and are serving a menu that includes burgers, hot dogs, fried foods, and ice cream.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that Sweet Cheeks Bakery is buying Glenn’s Place in Bucksport which they plan to rename Sweet Cheeks Diner. The BDN also shared news that Chalee Thai-Sushi To Go recently opened in Bucksport.
• The Ellsworth American has published an article about Fancy Plants, the vegan food truck that recently launched at 424 High Street in Ellsworth. “After switching to a vegan diet four years ago, Tague said, opening a 100% vegan food truck was a no-brainer for him to help fill a food gap for vegans in the Downeast area.”
• Cafe Obscura in Lewiston has announced plans to close their Lisbon Street establishment. They plan to remain open through the end of June. For additional reporting see this article from the Lewiston Sun Journal.
• The Brunswick Hotel has relaunched their restaurant Noble Kitchen & Bar. See their new website for a full menu and some photographs of the dishes. They’re located at 4 Noble Street in Brunswick and are open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
• Salsa Mexican Grill (website, facebook) has opened in the former Thoroughfare space in Yarmouth’s town center. The menu offers a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls along with salsa flights, and an agave spirits-focused cocktail menu. Their hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 am – 9 pm.
• Eating Through the Seacoast has shared some photos from Coastal Alchemist which has re-opened in a new space at the recently launched The Trident Inn.
• The Portsmouth Herald has written about the Omelette Factory in Ogunquit and its new owners David and Sara LeBlanc. The eatery opened in 1982 and its menu includes 40 different omelette variations.
• The Old Village Inn (website, facebook, instagram) in Ogunquit has reopened under new ownership and after undergoing a renovation.
• The Midcoast Villager has published an article about Sunflour Bakery (instagram) in Hope and its owner Carrie Laurita.
• After an extended hiatus, Wander at Longwoods in Cumberland has announced plans to relaunch in mid-June.
• Cafe Luna held the grand opening for their new Falmouth location yesterday. It is located in the same build as Sapporo at 267 US Route One.
• Owlbear’s Rest opens today in Westbrook. See yesterday’s article for all the details.
• Veggies to Table, a Midcoast non-profit farm that “grows and donates organic produce and flowers to help local people experiencing hunger and needing joy,” is holding their annual fundraising sweepstakes. The grand prize is a week-long stay in a Paris apartment. So far they’ve raised more than $48,000. The sweepstakes closes out on June 8th.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

 

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• The Lewiston Sun Journal reports that Democracy Brewing (website, instagram) is launching a $3.7 million dollar project to renovate the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church into a brewery and restaurant. The brewery’s co-founder and CEO, James Razsa, is a native of Gray, Maine.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that the Wabanaki group Niweskok has purchased a 245 acre farm in Swanville. “Niweskok plans to use the space to offer educational programming including outdoor classroom space, cultural camps and community events. It also plans to cultivate food and medicines on the land.”
• Blake Orchard will be opening their new Scarborough location. This will be their third location having expanded from Portland to Brunswick last year. Stop by 2 Stewart Drive Unit 101 off Route One to see their new cafe. They’ll be open on Saturday the 31st, 8 am – 2 pm. For additional reporting see today’s article from Mainebiz.
• The Snack Shack (website, facebook, instagram) in Skowhegan recently changed hands. The Chapman family who have run the eatery for 19 years have sold the business to Erin Hall who opened the seasonal business on May 6th along with general manager Fabian Fernandez and chef Kamden Diffley.
• The Kennebec Journal reports that a new French bakery is under construction in Hallowell. Belle Boulangerie (facebook) will be located at 156 Water Street. “The new bakery will sell all kinds of French baked goods — freshly made croissants, brioches, pan au chocolats and baguettes — over a counter. The store will have no seating inside, and Syrota said she wants to lean into the grab-and-go model.” The bakery is being launched by Ukranian Galyna Syrota who attended the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris and moved to Maine 8 years ago. UPDATE: Belle Boulangerie opened for business this morning, May 23rd. Their offerings included croissants, baguettes, and a variety of French pastries.
• Begun as a food truck in 2020, Bao & Beyond (instagram) has leased space at 1 Hichborn Street in Augusta where they plan to open a restaurant. Owners Pear Nalaphas and Trevor Charette hope to open the restaurant in mid-June. See this article from the Kennebec Journal for additional reporting.
• The Pen Bay Pilot has published an article about Dot’s in Lincolnville and its owner Susie Barnes.
• The Midcoast Villager has recently published a trio of food and dining articles about Chase’s Daily in Belfast, the new Ararat Farms farm store, and the award-winning Seven Napkin Burger from the Owl’s Head General Store.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Renovations of Baker Bru Cafe (instagram) in Wells have wrapped up and owners Alex d’Emarese and Tiffany DeMartino have announced plans to launch the new business May 21st. Baker Bru (see photos above) is located at the former Drake’s Island Cafe building at 2073 Post Road in Wells. The 2,400 sq ft counter service cafe seats 30. d’Emarese and DeMartino will be serving house-made pastries, meat pies and quiches as well as açaí bowls, breakfast bowls, and focaccia sandwiches (see the full menu below). Baker Bru Cafe will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am – 3 pm.
• The Morning Moose (website, facebook, instagram) coffee truck has bought the building at 11 Main Street in Topsham where they plan to open a coffee shop. Renovations will start later this summer and they expect to be open by the end of the year.
• Wanderwood (website, facebook, instagram) in Nobleboro has rolled out the schedule for their 2025 farm dinner series. The dinners run June through October and are produced in collaboration with a series of guest chefs.
• The board game cafe Owlbear’s Rest is scheduled to open on May 30th. They’re located at 506 Maine Street in Westbrook and will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday).
• The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Pomelia, the Sicilian-inspired restaurant that opened this past January in Brunswick.
• Circumstance has published the opening menu for their farmstead restaurant in Swanville. Their first dinners of the season will be May 23rd and 24th.
• The Bangor Daily News has published an article about the reopening of Columbia Falls General in Washington County.
• The Harpswell Anchor has a report on new management of the Holbrook Store (facebook) and Harborside Grill (facebook) at Holbrook’s Wharf in Cundy’s Harbor. The store and restaurant opened for the season this past weekend.
• Well and Good Brewing owners Byron and Elise Kern have acquired Mainely Custard. They plan to sell frozen custard pints at their North Yarmouth brewery, and will be launching a beer garden next to Mainely Custard’s location on Route One in Freeport which will serve beer and sausages.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Old Vines in Kennebunk served their last glass of wine on May 3rd. Kyle Robinson and Yazmin Saraya Jean, the owners of Chez Rosa, are taking over the Old Vines space where they plan to relocate their Kennebunkport restaurant. The last day of business at the current Chez Rosa location will be May 25th. Jean and Robinson plan to relaunch at 173 Port Street in Kennebunk in mid-June.
• Bay Bowls will be opening a new location in Bath in May. The new Bay Bowls will be moving into the former gas station at 45 Water Street. Bay Bowls serves a menu of bowls made with acai, dragon fruit, coconut and mango as well as smoothies. They also have locations in Portland and Brunswick.
• Bluuma Flowers (website, facebook, instagram) in Monmouth has rolled out the schedule for their 2025 farm dinner series. Each of the 5-course dinners (June through October) features a seasonal menu with dishes drawing from Eastern European cooking traditions.
• Biddo Foodies have published a dozen photos showing dishes from the new brunch menu at Banded Brewing.
• The Blair Hill Inn has hired chef Jason Borajkiewicz for their in-house restaurant Slate.
• The Bangor Daily News has published an article about the Villager Cafe in Camden. “It’s also the only eatery in the state — possibly even the nation — where they can expect to speak regularly with reporters, editors, the publisher and owner of the region’s local paper.”
• The Harpswell Anchor has published an article about Pomelia in Brunswick.
• The Bangor Daily News has a report on the recent discovery of a rare French variety of apples on Verona Island. “Called the Drap d’Or de Bretagna, the cultivar came from the Brittany region of France and was likely brought to Maine by Castine’s early French settlers in the late 1600s. The tree, believed to be a direct descendant of early plantings, was rediscovered by a group of local “apple explorers” who are passionate about old apples and what they reveal about history.”
• The Portsmouth Herald has a report on chef Lee Franks appearance on the cooking TV show Yes, Chef! Franks is the owner of Lee Franks in Wells and South Berwick as well as The Otis in Exeter, NH.
• The Lewiston Sun Journal reports that Casey and Ali Peacock are opening a new restaurant called The Blue Feather Kitchen + Bar (facebook) at 49 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.
• The Morning Sentinel has a report on Popo’s Food Truck Park which recently launched on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• A vegan food truck called Fancy Plants (website, facebook, instagram) is set to launch later this month in Ellsworth. Chef/owner Jeff Tague will be serving a 100% plant-based menu. The food truck will be located at 424 High Street. If all goes as planned Fancy Plants will launch on May 27th.
• Khristine and Zac Leeman, the owners of Linden + Front and Sundrenched, have launched Ram & Bull (website, instagram) their new 100-seat restaurant in Brunswick. The newly renovated restaurant is located at 123 Maine Street in the space formerly occupied by Joshua’s. Ram & Bull serves a menu (see below) of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrees like fried chicken, rib frites and blackened haddock. It will initially be open Thursday through Monday, noon – 9 pm. To learn more see this article from the Harpswell Anchor.
• Good Ways Market and Deli (website, tik tok, blue sky) recently opened on Pine Point in Scarborough. They’re located at 27 East Grand Ave and are open Wednesday through Monday, 7:30 am – 6 pm.
• A new ice cream food truck called Zellie’s (instagram) is set to launch on Saturday. Zellie’s will be located in the parking lot of OysterHers in Bath and will be open Friday through Sunday until the end of October. The business is named for the daughter of owners Leon Olds and Leah Champagne. Zellie’s will be serving soft serve ice cream, sandwiches, and sundaes. Their opening menu will include options like a pâte à choux cream puff ice cream sandwich. The couple hope to showcase Olds’ 15 years of experience as a pastry chef with creative toppings and pastries to accompany the frozen desserts.
• The Portsmouth Herald has a report on the relaunch of Nectar Cafe in York which is now owned by Michelle and Jon Corgan. The Corgans have built out a new patio adjacent to the food truck.
• The Sun Journal reports that Dutch Treat in Wilton won’t be open this season.

 

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Bene’s Beef (instagram) is bringing North Shore roast beef sandwiches and tallow French fries to Lewiston. Chef/owner TJ Castiello is from the Boston area. He has leased the former El Pochos location at 990 Lisbon Street and hopes to launch Bene’s sometime in June. El Pochos relocated last year to the space in town formerly occupied by Boba.
• The Millers Table in Skowhegan will be launching a new 125-seat restaurant called The Biergarten (instagram) at the new Spinning Mill development. Chef Erik Levine will be serving a menu inspired by traditional German dishes like bratwurst and schnitzel prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The bar program will offer craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. A specific date hasn’t been set yet but they’re hoping to launch The Biergarten in late May.
• The new Kingfield coffee shop we wrote about back in January, Marmee Dearest Espresso (instagram) is set to open on May 7th. the 20-seat cafe will serve brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks as well as locally made baked goods. Rhodes plans to feature coffee from roasteries in New England and Canada and from woman-owned roasteries. Her house coffee is roasted by Tern Coffee Roasters which is launching its own retail coffee shop in Brunswick. Marmee Dearest will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 am – 2 pm, and is located at 256 Main Street.
• Bold Journey has published an interview with Joanna Spinks, the owner of First Fig in Camden.
• The Rangeley Highlander has published an article about Clifford’s Donut Stop (facebook, instagram) in Phillips. The self serve donut kiosk (left photo above from last October) was launched last June by Tiffany and Chris Otteng and Rosemarie Jenau. It’s located at 2427 Rangeley Rd, and open Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 am.
• The Kennebec Journal has a report on a new bagel cafe/pizzeria called Lately’s that’s under construction on Water Street in Hallowell (right photo). Owner Ryan Ellis hopes to launch Lately’s next month with plans to initially be open Thursday through Sunday, 8 am – 10 pm.
• The Maine Scoop Company plans to hold the grand opening of their Pine Point ice cream shop on May 15th. The Maine Scoop is taking the place of Bayley’s Ice Cream on Pine Point Road.
• The Portsmouth Herald has published an article about the new generation that’s taken over management of Congdon’s Donuts in Wells.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Tern Coffee Roasters (website, instagram) owners Chris and Heidi Townsend have leased space at 141A Maine St in Brunswick. The storefront will be part production space for their line of coffee and teas, a retail shop, a to-go coffee counter and a coffee lab where customers might participate in cuppings and learn more about coffee. In addition to coffee and tea Tern will also offer a selection of house-made baked goods. The Townsends hope to have the shop open to the public in May when it will be open Tuesday through Saturday. The Townsends have been looking for a space to add a retail element to their coffee roasting business and when they saw 141A Maine Street it immediately felt just right for their vision.
• The Villager Cafe (website, instagram) in Camden opened for business Friday morning. The cafe is located at 25 Mechanic Street and will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am – 2 pm. The menu (see lunch menu below) includes pancakes, breakfast skillets, breakfast sandwiches and tacos, cold and hot sandwiches, salads and desserts. The cafe is being launched by the parent company of the Maine’s newest newspaper, the Midcoast Villager, which serves Knox and Waldo counties.
• A specialty market and gift shop in Gorham called Third Space Market (website, instagram) is expected to launch on April 22nd. The Littlefield family is stocking the shelves with locally made pantry items and will also sell baked goods, sweets and ice cream. They also hope to get Third Space licensed to serve beer and wine. There’s seating for ~15 people with a mix of couch lounge seating, tables, and standing desks for remote work use. The market is located at 18 Elm Street in the space formerly occupied by Carter’s Greenmarket and will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm.
• The outdoor eatery Food for Thought has moved from their original location in Ogunquit to  Odd by Nature Brewing in Cape Neddick. They opened for the season yesterday.
• The seasonal farm-to-table restaurant The Hichborn in Stockton Springs has closed and is for sale. Owners Kirk Linder and Charlie Zorich continue to operate their popular bar and restaurant Hey Sailor and adjacent event space the Starboard Lounge in Searsport.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that Cutterman’s Variety Story in Stockton Springs has closed.
• The Lewiston Sun Journal has a report on how women-owned hospitality businesses are making an impact in Lisbon Falls. Mentioned in the article are Olive Pit Brewing, Two Moms Diner, and the Lisbon House of Pizza.
• The Boothbay Register reports that the owners of Harborside 1901 Bar and Grill are taking food service at  Oceanside Resort’s Coastal Prime Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor.
• The Saco Bay News reports that The Hamburger Stand in Biddeford has closed. The announcement posted on the Hamburger Stand’s social media accounts cites “rising operational costs, increased rent, and vendor prices” that made it increasingly difficult “to stay afloat—especially while trying to keep our prices affordable for our amazing patrons.” The social media post goes on to share, “While we’re sad to say goodbye, we’re incredibly proud of the 9 fun, flavorful, and fulfilling years we’ve had. From the families who made us part of their weekly routine, to the travelers who stumbled upon us and stayed for the vibe—thank you. It’s been a joy to serve you, to share laughs, to build connections, and to be a part of this community.”

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• A new indoor dog park and bar call The Barkery (web, facebook, instagram) is under construction in South Portland. For their two-legged customers owners Nate and Haley Viens plan to serve elevated comfort food like gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, salads, and seafood dishes like haddock tacos and lobster mac & cheese. The drinks menu will feature a rotating selection of local craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. The space will both a dedicated restaurant area and a separate space viewable through a glass wall of an off-leash drink-friendly indoor dog park and an on-leash dining area. The Barkery will be located in Knightville at 180 Waterman Drive in South Portland.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that a shaved ice food truck will be launching a brick and mortar location in May. Sawyer’s Shave Ice (web, facebook, instagram) expects to open on May 17 and will be located at 173 Park Street in Bangor in the space formerly occupied by Wicked Brew. They’ll be open noon – 8 pm.
• Stone Fox Farm Creamery (website, facebook, instagram) in Searsport is under new ownership. Stephen Simonds has taken over stewardship of the company from founders Bruce and Kathy Chamberlain who launched the ice cream company in 2009. Stone Fox is located at 398 East Main Street and will open for the season on weekends in late April before transitioning to a full-time schedule in May. Simonds grew up in Maine and now operates two inns in Portland. He shared, “I’m honored and thrilled to take the helm at Stone Fox Farm Creamery and continue its tradition of making the best ice cream from Maine dairy. What started as a small, homegrown business has become a Maine summer staple. I look forward to serving our loyal Mid-Coast customers while also bringing our incredible flavors to new audiences in Southern Maine.”
• The Midcoast Villager published a story about MacLeod’s in Bucksport which recently closed up after 45 years in business. “On April 1, MacLeod’s Restaurant in Bucksport closed after 45 years in business. Owners George and Katherine MacLeod spent those years feeding a widespread community, and the owner is hoping to find fresh faces to take up the charge.”
• The Oak Table and Bar in Augusta has launched a taco menu under the name Taco Rico. The tacos are available as takeout from the restaurant and can be ordered online.
• NPR’s Morning Edition aired a story about Community Plate, a Maine organization that builds community through shared potluck meals and story telling.
• Oak & Ember in Buxton has closed.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• A new Camden coffee shop and cafe called the Villager Cafe (website, instagram) is scheduled to launch in April. The cafe will serve breakfast and lunch (see menu) and will have a number of grab and go food options. The venue will also host a regular programs to discuss current events and topics of community interest. The business is being launched by Islandport Media which publishes a variety of local newspapers including the Midcoast Villager.
• The owners of Bandaloop (website, facebook, instagram) have announced in a Youtube video that they are seeking a buyer for their Arundel restaurant property. They plan to continue to operate Bandaloop until they find a buyer.
• Edible Maine has published articles about La Laiterie/Flora in Machias,  and about the new crop of businesses in the Midcoast—First Fig, Ida’s, Winona’s and Lucky Betty’s—that are “Redefining What it Means to Gather.”
• Rick Boyd, the owner of Backwoods Burger Shack in Gorham is launching Wonderdogs (website) in Naples this summer. Wonderdogs will serve a menu of hot dog sandwiches on poppyseed buns like The Stray Dog which is topped with tomato, kosher dill, sport pepper, neon relish, onions, mustard and celery salt. The menu also includes a variety of loaded baked potatoes and Boyd is working on some novel flavored cotton candy like Spicy Pickle and Chili-Watermelon. Wonderdogs is set to open May 7th. It will be located at 852 Roosevelt Trail in the same building as Rick’s Cafe.
• The Harpswell Anchor reports that the Fishnet Cafe (facebook, instagram) on Bailey Island is under new ownership. Ashley and Ray DeSilva plan to re-open the cafe in May. The article reports that Ashley DeSilva has experience working as “an executive chef for seven years and cooking professionally for 20, having worked in Portland and California’s Napa Valley.”
• The Greene Village Bakery (facebook) recently opened for business. Owner Rachel Bushey sells a variety of baked goods as well as quiche, and breakfast sandwiches in the morning, and for lunch has sandwiches, soups and salads. Cakes, pies and other treats are also available. You can see the full menu on their facebook page: page 1, page 2. The bakery is located at 19 Patten Road and is open Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 6 am – 4 pm and Saturday, 8 am – 2 pm.
• Malcolm Bedell has announced he’s closing his Tenants Harbor restaurant Ancho Honey. In the nearly 2,000 word statement Bedell shares his thought process and considerations in making the decision to close. Bedell’s second restaurant, Honey’s Fried Chicken Palace, opened last year in Thomaston and will remain in business.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.