Anti-Trust, Competition, and Trader Joe's

The Christian Science Monitor has published an in-depth look at the process that’s led to Trader Joe’s buying the former Wild Oats as the result of Wild Oat’s merger with Whole Foods. (via About Town)

So if we’re treating competition as a zero-sum game, was it “lost” when Whole Foods acquired Wild Oats, when Whole Foods bought out The Whole Grocer, or maybe when Wild Oats decided to compete directly against The Whole Grocer? Remember, the stated goal of antitrust is to “restore” competition that might be lost.

Anti-Trust, Competition, and Trader Joe’s

The Christian Science Monitor has published an in-depth look at the process that’s led to Trader Joe’s buying the former Wild Oats as the result of Wild Oat’s merger with Whole Foods. (via About Town)

So if we’re treating competition as a zero-sum game, was it “lost” when Whole Foods acquired Wild Oats, when Whole Foods bought out The Whole Grocer, or maybe when Wild Oats decided to compete directly against The Whole Grocer? Remember, the stated goal of antitrust is to “restore” competition that might be lost.

Under Construction: Brighton Ave Rosemont & Hilltop

Here’s a pair of new under construction updates:

Under Construction: Brighton Ave Rosemont & Hilltop

Here’s a pair of new under construction updates:

Planning Board Approvals

According to a report from The Forecaster, last night the Portland Planning Board approved the project which will see the Jordan’s Meat plant replaced with a hotel and the new home of Sebago Brewing which is presently at the intersection of Middle and Market.
Also in the article is mention that the Espo’s on Allen Ave is slated to be demolished in order to build a Bangor Saving Bank branch on the lot.

Under Construction: Noodles & Havana

There’s a few new under construction details to report:

  • Portland Psst is reporting that Masa Miyake has signed a lease for 188 State Street where he plans on opening a noodle bar. One of the best meals I had in 2009 was the noodles Miyake prepared for the Food Film Series showing of Tampopo so I can hardly wait for opening day!
  • Also from Psst, Bubble Maineia is going to open a noodle bar in the old Morrisons space on Temple Street.
  • Havana South has published some photos of the construction site for their new restaurant on Wharf Street.
  • Siano’s is getting close on their new pizzeria on Fore Street but the opening date has slipped out a little further to April 22.

Under Construction: Noodles & Havana

There’s a few new under construction details to report:

  • Portland Psst is reporting that Masa Miyake has signed a lease for 188 State Street where he plans on opening a noodle bar. One of the best meals I had in 2009 was the noodles Miyake prepared for the Food Film Series showing of Tampopo so I can hardly wait for opening day!
  • Also from Psst, Bubble Maineia is going to open a noodle bar in the old Morrisons space on Temple Street.
  • Havana South has published some photos of the construction site for their new restaurant on Wharf Street.
  • Siano’s is getting close on their new pizzeria on Fore Street but the opening date has slipped out a little further to April 22.

Spartan Grill –> A Victory Cafe & Harbor Scoops

The Spartan Grill is expanding. Owner Mike Roylos has purchased Zarra’s, and plans on moving his sandwich stall from next door at the Public Market House into the coffee shop. The combined operation will be renamed A Victory Cafe. The change frees up some prime real estate on the first floor of the Market.
If that weren’t enough to keep him busy, Roylos is also opening the Harbor Scoops ice cream shop on the corner of Cumberland and Washington. Harbor scoops will be serving Smiling Hill Farms ice cream.