Category: Under Construction

Mast Landing Brewing in Westbrook has launched an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign to raise $20,000 for a Crowler Seamer system.

We originally thought about providing growlers in our tasting room for off-site consumption. The problem with growlers is that they have too many variables that could potentially negatively impact our beers. We eventually came across a machine called a Crowler Seamer that provided a reliable solution to our problem. A Crowler is a 32 ounce can that is packaged right infront of the customer for off-site consumption. It has all the benefits of a traditional growler, and even a few advantages, without any of the potential negatives.

Blue Phoenix Lounge has shifted gears and now plans to open their “‘contemporary and glamorous lounge’ with a ‘neighborhood mentality'” in the West End at 211 Danforth Street, in the space formerly occupied by Vespucci’s Market.

Amigo’s is proposing to build a raised deck above their outdoor seating area along Wharf Street.

Planning is underway to convert 104 Exchange Street, currently the home of Pierre’s of Exchange Street, to  a restaurant. The 2,300 square foot space is slated to be the home of the Portland Meatball Company.

According to PMC’s trademark application, “all of our products/food/menu items are produced and sourced from local Maine farms and local Maine Businesses.”

BDN columnist Chris Busby has examined in more depth the Facebook posts published by Pat Scally, owner of a new pizzeria under construction on Cumberland Ave.

I believe that, but I don’t believe Scally posted those memes by mistake. I think Scally is ignorant about politics (he admits as much) and insensitive to racist rhetoric (which he also concedes), but is not a hateful person or someone I would consider a racist.

That said, I believe James was right to bring those memes to the community’s attention, and people certainly have the right to criticize Scally for the posts and refuse to eat his pizza. But had this matter ended there on Facebook, Portland would be a more divided and dangerous place as a result. There’d be more hatred, less understanding, and no opportunity for an apology or forgiveness. If we’re going to keep the real racists at bay (and out of the White House), we’ll need to do more reaching out than flipping out.

The former Gusto’s food truck has been sold to Taylor Witham who will be relaunching the business under the name Ziggy’s Food Truck (website, facebook, twitter) this Spring.

Sip of Europe (website, facebook, instagram, twitter) has leased a 600 square foot space at 229 Congress Street. For the past year Sip of Europe owner Yulia Aleksandrovna has run a seasonal open air coffee shop on the pier in Old Orchard Beach.

Aleksandrovna found success in Old Orchard Beach and decided to open a shop in Portland to “share goodness with other Mainers” on a year round basis. Sip of Europe will serve Lavazza Coffee from Italy, as well as sweet and savory crepes.

Sip of Europe is moving into the space next to Ramen Suzukiya formerly occupied by Goddy G’s clothing store. Aleksandrovna hopes to open as soon as possible but understands that permitting and build-out can sometimes take longer than expected.

After months of speculation, Bissell Brothers has confirmed that they’ll be moving the brewery to Thompson’s Point in 2016.

We are excited to announce that in the second quarter of 2016 we will be moving our entire operation to the Brick North building at Thompson’s Point in Portland. The move will include a significant increase in production capacity, tap room size, & retail efficiency, while allowing us to keep the Bissell Brothers spirit, experience, and commitment to providing fresh beer for Maine intact.

The announcement from Noah and Peter Bissell shares that the “need to consider relocation came far earlier than any of us expected” and they are “pumped to be able to use the flexibility of the larger space to deliver you more of the beers you love, as well as new offerings, and take customer service and the on-premise experience to the next level”.

Bissell Brothers plan to send out regular updates as the build out for the new brewery gets under way.

Plans submitted to the planning board for Thompson’s Point show a 10,000 square foot designated for a brewery. In addition to Bissell Brothers, the point will also be home to a 5,000 square foot tasting room for Cellardoor Winery, Stroudwater Spirits distillery, and Jason Loring’s seafood restaurant called The Point.

Fore River Brewing is holding a launch party on January 13th at The Thirsty Pig.

Fore River is located in the Cash Corner neighborhood of South Portland. Owners John LeGassey, Alex Anastasoff and TJ Hansen plan on opening their tasting room shortly after the launch party.

An article in today’s Press Herald takes note of the growing number of food producers starting in or moving to Westbrook.

The proximity to Portland, but at a reduced price, easy access to Interstate 95 and support from city officials are among the reasons that food producers are choosing Westbrook as a place to grow.

“We welcome the palpable enthusiasm for the Westbrook market and look forward to becoming the manufacturing hub for foodie Maine,” said Assistant City Administrator William Baker, whom several companies credited with reaching out to them before they started looking in Westbrook and helping them find a location there.