Category: Year in Review

The 2025 Year in Review

| Posted in Year in Review

Here’s a look back at the 2025 year in food. Read on for a refresher on what took place in Portland and all across the state, a look forward at the new opening that are in the pipeline for 2026, a list of the most popular news stories of the past year.

This is the 16th year we’ve produced a Year in Review report. Once you get a refresh on 2025 you can travel back in time to 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Pop-ups – Local chefs have been holding these fun events to explore new ideas that they’re passionate about and to explore new business concepts. Some examples from 2025 are Cherie, Vagabundo, Dinner x Friends, Khao Laeng, Sleepy Fish and Pulutan. Some are one-off or intermittent experiences and others feel like the first steps towards the launch of a full-time business. Both Lambs in South Portland, and Big Tree’s Local 188 event space are hosting culinary pop-ups on a regular basis so watch their social media accounts if you want to try one out. We also list them in our weekly event summary posted on Mondays. For more thoughts on the local pop-up scene see this article in the Press Herald from September.

Exporting Culinary Culture – Portland’s food scene is so strong that we’re now exporting concepts to other locales. Two notable examples from 2025 were Peaks Island-based Il Leone’s opening of a second location of their wood-fired pizzeria in Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, and Crispy Gai’s plans to open a second location in Providence, Rhode Island.

Korean Food – Thai and Japanese restaurants have long been plentiful in Portland. While the country’s food is equally interesting and delicious, Korean restaurants haven’t gained a similar level of traction. Perhaps that’s changing? A new Korean food truck called K-Pop Kimbap is set to launch in 2026, and in the past year Luncheonette has been holding monthly Korean dinners and Sun Oriental Market and Mi Sen collaborated on a Korean pop-up.

Congress Street – The stretch of Congress Street from Monument Square to Longfellow Square has had its share of challenges and related press attention this year. There’s also been some developments in a positive direction. Benny’s, Flat Iron Coffee, Bub’s Home Kitchen, Fork in the Road Pizza, Wow India and the Bold magazine shop opened there in 2025. Under development and expected to launch in 2026 are Bad Neighbors, Y%F Cafe, Marquis Lounge, Paak and Supper Club Cocktail Lounge. There are still a number of empty storefronts but its encouraging to see new businesses opening up and placing bets on Congress Street’s future. Citywide 2025 was a quieter year for new business opening, and, thankfully, for closings as well with 39 business launches and 19 closings. Like 2024 there was a net gain in new food businesses with about a 2:1 open to close ratio.

2026 Openings –There’s a lot in the works to look forward to in 2026. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite for the coming year:

  • Isaac MacDougal along with Jake Bosma, Brecken Macdougal and Zach Myers plan to open the Supper Club Cocktail Lounge on Congress Street.
  • Aomori restaurant opened in late 2025 and the adjacent conbini Aomori Kitchen and Market is slated to open in 2026.
  • The owners of Arcadia will be opening a listening bar called Bad Neighbors in the former Soakology space.
  • A French-inspired wine bar called Elizabeth, and a French-inspired cocktail bar called Marquis Lounge are both opening in 2026.
  • The highly anticipated hoagie shop Salvatore’s will be opening in the former Pizza Joint space on Forest Ave.
  • A new coffee shop called Y%F Cafe and a salad and smoothie shop called Paak are both under construction in the Arts District.
  • Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail will be holding their grand opening in Milo.
  • The Paper Plane cocktail bar in Camden will be relocating to Bay View Street in Camden this winter.
  • A new wood-fired bakery called Bagel Witch is under construction in Damariscotta.
  • The Rooting Pig will be opening their new restaurant in Bristol.

There are a number other exciting new projects in the works that haven’t gone public yet. Check back throughout the year for all the details as they become available.

Notable News IN PORTLAND

MAINE FOOD & DINING NEWS

The broader Maine food and dining scene continues to expand with opening and new developments in every single county. As you can see below there’s a lot going on. The list below just touches on some highlights—read the weekly Maine news reports from the past year for a more detailed view.

  • Bath/Brunswick – A Sicilian restaurant called Pomelia launched early in the year in Brunswick followed through the rest of the year with the opening of Elevenses, Ram and Bull, and Tern Coffee, and Porteur Bread. In Bath Solo Pane expanded their dining room and kitchen into the adjacent storefront and Brunswick-based Reverie Coffee opened a second location. Still under development in Brunswick are an Italian restaurant called Paolo’s and Baked on Maine which will be located in the former Great Impasta spot on Maine Street. ZaoZe Café & Market closed in November—it was the last of the businesses run by the Eighty Ate Hospitality group which once included Tao Yuan and Bao Bao.
  • Elsewhere the Midcoast – Panacea took over the space vacated by Yonder in Wiscasset. Schooner Landing reopened in Damariscotta after a fire the previous fall. The Crooked Spoon team moved into The Block Saloon space in Thomaston. Cafe Grazie, Olive Rose Chocolates, and Lemon Bar all opened in Rockland. The Midcoast Villager newspaper team launched the Villager Cafe in Camden. Spark Bagel opened their bakery in Northport and the Pulling Corks Wine bar opened in Belfast. Savory Meat Shop launched in the former Chacuterie spot in Unity, and Saint George Pizzeria launched in Warren. Sammy’s Deluxe was selected by the New York Times for their  2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now”.  Daily Soup closed in Belfast, Wiley’s in Rockland announced they wouldn’t be reopening for the 2026 season, and The Hichborn closed in Stockton Springs. A fire destroyed Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery in Union.
  • Down East – The Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle was selected by the New York Times for their 2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now” and for the second year in the row Aragosta appeared on Food & Wine’s list of the Top 10 US Hotels for Food and Drink. MacLeod’s in Bucksport closed after 45 years in business, but the space didn’t remain vacant very long—Stowaway’s Town Tavern and Ugly’s Bar opened their doors there in October. A vegan food truck called Fancy Plants operated in Ellsworth during the summer and the Sri Lankan restaurant Serendib closed after 10 years in business. In East Machias Bold Coast Coffee opened a cafe.
  • Kennebec County – Waterville saw the launch of Cushnoc Cantina early in 2025 and of Charros Theater Mexican Restaurant in December. Belle Boulangerie relocated to Hallowell from Sebec. The food truck Bao & Beyond opened a restaurant in Augusta. Bucks Naked BBQ opened a new location in Gardiner and Gerard’s Pizza celebrated their 60th anniversary.
  • Lewiston/Auburn – Marvelous Macarons and Katie’s Confections opened in Auburn. Lewiston suffered the loss of Bon Vivant and the cocktail bar Sonder & Dram as well as of Cafe Obscura. The opening of Bene’s Beef on outer Lisbon Street and of Mancini’s Italian Deli in town were bright spots for the year.
  • Bangor Area – Bangor continued to see a number of new business developments. The most recent news was that a candy shop called Oh, Grow Up which is under construction at 21 Central Street. Perhaps the biggest story of all for the Queen City was the launch of Marsh Island Kitchen in Hampden with chef Joe Robbins at the helm. Something to look forward to in 2026 is Bangor’s plan to launch a shared commercial kitchen in the city which has the potential to help dozens of new packaged and service food businesses get their start.
  • Northern and Western Maine – Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail Pub took over the former Bissell Brothers space in Milo. A new coffee shop called Marmee Dearest Espresso opened in Kingfield, The Laughing Loon opened in Norway, Born Yesterday Bakery opened in Oxford, and Rolling Pin Bakery opened in Fort Fairfield. Additionally, Bonaventura Vineyards launched their tasting room in Hartford, and the team at Maine Grains launched The Biergarten in Skowhegan.
  • Southern Maine – Catbird took over the former Secundo space in South Berwick, Chez Rosa moved across the bridge to the Old Vines space in Kennebunk, and the Sea Salt Fry Company took over the former Lee Franks spot in Wells joining Baker Bru Cafe which had moved in just up the road from North Berwick earlier in the year. Kittery saw the closure of Anneke Jans, and the opening of Warren’s, Henry’s, and Salty Spirits. In Buxton Rooted Heart Cafe and Apothecary opened for business in January and Oak and Ember closed in April. Frog and Turtle closed and Wakie Wakie’s opened in Westbrook. Sebagels opened their bagel shop in Naples, Allagash launched the Allagash Bungalow at The Downs in Scarborough. Falmouth had some new energy in their food scene with the relocation of Sapporo from Portland and the launch of Revel and of a second location of Cafe Luna. Colleen Kelley has relaunched her well-loved restaurant Silly’s in Standish. Krista Kern Desjarlais relaunched The Purple House in North Yarmouth with a new menu and concept. South Portland saw a lot of change in the last year: Cafe Louis shut down as did the Mast Landing tasting room, Asia House moved into the space being vacated by Dok Mali Noodle Bar, Taco Trio re-relocated to their original spot Ocean Street. The Garden Bar opened a second location on Ocean Street, the owners of Yosaku shared plans to open a new restaurant in South Portland, and The Streetwich cafe opened.

Top ARTICLEs

The most popular articles we published on the website in the past year were:

  1. North Deering Tavern– Sam Minervino and a set of business partner’s opened a new pub in the space formerly occupied by Parker’s. (May 6th)
  2. Yuri’s Desserts– The opening of the new bakery and coffee shop on Spring Street. (January 2nd)
  3. Dry Dock – A first look at the newly renovated and relaunched restaurant on Commercial Street. (July 24th)
  4. Beard Awards Semifinalists – Announcement of the 10 chefs and restaurants that were 2025 semifinalists. (January 22nd)
  5. Garden Bar – Word that The Garden Bar was planning to open a location in Knightville. (March 30th)
  6. Cuties – Announcement of the upcoming opening of Cuties. (March 26th)
  7. Aomori Restaurant and Market – Word that Masa Miyake and his family planned to open a restaurant and conbini market in West Bayside. (March 24th)
  8. Catbird – Photos and menu from the opening of Catbird, a new restaurant in South Berwick. (October 16th)
  9. Y%F Cafe– Word about Y%F, a new cafe under construction in the space long vacant in Congress Square. (August 30th)
  10. Oak & Ember – The closing of Oak & Ember in Buxton. (April 11th)
  11. Silver Street by Taj – Photos and menu for the opening of Silver Street by Taj in the Old Port. (August 28th)
  12. Gill’s Bar – Word that Michael, Siobhán Sindoni and Rian Wyllie were going to launch a new bar in the former Bao Bao space on Spring Street (July 17th).
  13. Sodt – Announcement that a Nordic candy shop was under construction on Cumberland Ave. (April 3rd)
  14. Mandy and Matt’s – Opening announcement of a new breakfast and lunch cafe in Morrill’s Corner. (April 3rd)
  15. Henry’s – Announcement on the closing of Henry’s Public House (January 18th)

The Restaurant Real Estate listings, Maine Food Map, Thanksgiving List, Under Construction List, Beard Awards page and guides to Maine cider and Maine apples also received a lot of visitors last year.

Passings

The past year witnessed the passing of some members of the Maine food community.

  • Declan Perry, 27 – a long time team member and chef at The Grill Room.
  • Stacy Strattard, 64 – the co-owner of Birchwood Brewing in Gray.

Our Wonderful Sponsors

With the conclusion of 2025 and the start of the new year, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the corporate sponsors of Portland Food Map. Their support makes all work we do to report on and celebrate the Maine food and dining scene possible. Please give them a follow and learn more about them and the work they do. They are: Evergreen Credit Union, The Boulos Company, Canopy by Hilton Waterfront, Wine Wise, Allagash Brewing Company, The Longfellow Hotel, Great Pine Financial Services, and Vertical Harvest.

The 2024 Year in Review

| Posted in Under Construction, Openings, Year in Review, Maine

Here’s a look back at the 2024 year in food. Read on for a refresher on what took place in Portland and all across the state, a look forward at the new new opening that are in the pipeline for 2025, a list of the most popular news stories of the past year, and some observations on the changing business landscape.

This is the 15th year we’ve produced a Year in Review report. Once you get a refresh on 2024 you can travel back in time with a read of the reports from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Best New – Dozens of new establishments opened across Maine this year—many gems among them. While picking out a single Best New from among the rest may be an impossible task, here are a few contenders for you to consider.

  • Magissa – Nancy Klosteridis and Emily Otero opened Magissa in May serving contemporary takes on Greek traditional dishes. Great food and service, delightful desserts and drinks and moderate prices have made it an instant hit.
  • Cantina Calafia – A distinctive sense of style, unique and inventive dishes like a savory crab churro and the goat cheese flan are part of what makes it easy to recommend this West End restaurant. Cantina Calafia launched in March and is located at the corner of Pine and Brackett Streets.
  • Ocotillo – Brought to life by the team from Terlingua, Ocotillo takes its culinary cues from the flavors of Mexico and Texas. Initially launched as a brunch-only business, they added happy hour and dinner to the line-up in November making it that much easier to find a time to visit. The New York Times recently called out their Mushroom Breakfast Taco in their list of The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024.
  • First Fig – Joanna Spinks launched First Fig back in February. The combo cafe/winebar/wine shop provides Camden with a space that offers ease and comfort along with a selection of natural wines, snacks, espresso. We hear the weekend appearances by Taqueria Max are not to be missed.
  • Finestkind– Part of the new wave of restaurants opening in Saco, Finest kind launched in September the brainchild of Victoria and Tom Barthelmes along with their business partners Chris and Paige Gould from Central Provisions and Tipo. The instantly popular daytime cafe serves a wide range of house-made baked goods, sandwiches, salads and other dishes like the delicious Maine Grains Bowl.
  • Circumstance – This seasonal restaurant opened in May in the small town of Swanville near Belfast. Chef/owner Khristopher Hogg is serving an inventive menu based that admirably meets his mission to “reflects the pursuit of craft, creativity, and an appreciation of place.”

A Changing Landscape – 2024 will be remembered in part for the run of high profile restaurant closures that took place in early fall. Coals, Thistle & Grouse, Sister’s Gourmet Deli, Golden Lotus, Slab, Salvage, North Point, Ohno Cafe, Anania’s and Local 188 all closed in a matter of weeks from mid-September to Thanksgiving.

Restaurant closure took place elsewhere in the state and during the year (see details below) but the fall closure triggered a wider public discussion and it was then the media began asking why restaurants are closing and when panel discussions took place to discuss a “restaurant apocalypse“.

Some of the factors that restaurants were faced with in 2024 were:

  • Competition – At last count there is about 1 restaurant/bar/etc in Portland for every 200 residents. While that provides for an amazing diversity of choice for customers, it also presents a highly competitive landscape for a restaurant to operate in. Older restaurants are always at risk of losing their base of regulars as new businesses open and newer ones have a short window when they are the new place to establish themselves.
  • Rising Costs – Inflation drove up the costs of a wide range of goods that go into producing the restaurant experiences we enjoy. Labor costs have risen in order to keep pace with the increased housing and other costs of employee’s lives. That’s all challenged restaurant profitability and the ability to save money to make it through the slower winter season.
  • Affordability – Those rising costs led to potential customers having less disposable income to spend on eating out just at a time when menu prices were rising.
  • Timing – In any past year, there’s been a heightened number of closures in the fall after the summer tourists season ends and before the leaner winter months. 2024 saw a 9% decrease in the number of tourists relative to 2023 leaving some restaurants with less cash on hand.
  •  Unique Factors – Each of the businesses that closed in the past year are unique (it’s part of what we loved about them) and had factors special to their particular situations that were part of the decision to close.

While there have been a heightened number of closures in 2024 (and in 2023), more food and dining establishments opened last year than closed. It was a ~2:1 ratio for the year in Portland with a high point in May when twelve new bars, restaurants, cafe shops and cafes opened to the public.

While it’s unknown yet if the challenges outlined above will continue to drive closures in 2025, one thing is certain of is that despite the closures Portland and the state overall continues to have a vibrant restaurant scene. As you’ll see in this next few sections of this report, new entrepreneurs have exciting concepts in the works and new business have been opening all across Maine during the past year.

2025 Openings –There’s a lot in the works to look forward to in 2025. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite for the coming year:

  • Ramona’s owner Josh Sobel is launching Benny’s on Congress Street.
  • Bowman Brown will be opening a new edition of his spectacular restaurant Elda in Bayside.
  • A group of friends and industry professionals—Bryce Summers, Garrett Lenderman, Ryan Nielsen, Arvid Brown and Nick Coffin—have teamed up to open an all-day bar called Cuties in the Old Port.
  • A salad-centric cafe called Luncheonette is opening in the former Union Bagel building on Cumberland Ave.
  • Sam Minervino and a set of business partners are renovating the former Parker’s building in North Deering where they will open the North Deering Tavern.
  • Isaac MacDougal along with Jake Bosma, Brecken Macdougal and Zach Myers plans to open the Supper Club Cocktail Lounge on Congress Street.
  • Sichuan Kitchen owner Qi Shen will be launching Tuan Yuan Hotpot at 29 Forest Ave in the  Portland Stage building.
  • Tony and Chelsea Bickford have taken over the Scarlet Begonia’s space in Brunswick where they plan to launch Pomelia.
  • The owners of the Solo Pane e Pasticceria are expanding their bakery into the space adjacent to their location on Centre Street in Bath.
  • Chef/owner Jordan Benissan is relocating his Rockland restaurant Me Lon Togo to Freeport.
  • Elevenes, the hobbit-themed all-day cafe and bakery under construction in Brunswick, will be opening on January 11th.
  • Colleen Kelley plans to open a new edition of Silly’s in Standish.
  • A new bakery called Yuri’s Desserts is opening on Spring Street January 2nd. They’ll be serving a variety of cakes, macarons, cookies, shaved ice, croissants and donuts.
  • Augusta-based Cushnoc Brewing has leased space in Waterville where they have been building out the Cushnoc Cantina.
  • Taco Trio is renovating and moving back into their original location in South Portland.
  • A new wine bar and wine shop called Pulling Corks is under construction in Belfast.

There are many other exciting new projects in the works that haven’t gone public yet. Check back throughout the new year as we share the details.

Notable News IN PORTLAND

MAINE FOOD & DINING NEWS

The broader Maine food and dining scene continues to expand. There have been new business launches in nearly every county from Salted Butter Farm Restaurant which opened this summer in Sherman to Baker Bru in North Berwick and from Clifford’s Donut Stop kiosk in Phillips to Aekier Brewing’s tasting room in Wiscasset. The Midcoast in general and Brunswick specifically has seen a high level of change and development.

The statewide developments over the last few years haven’t gone unnoticed. Three of the Beard award semifinalists in 2024 were from outside Portland, Food & Wine magazine included Aragosta on Deer Isle on their list of the Best Restaurants in the US, The Alna Store was on the New York Times list of their “50 favorite places in America right now“,  Down East magazine wrote about a “restaurant renaissance” taking place in Bethel and the Press Herald provided a survey of the food industry in Saco.

Not all the Maine news was sunshine and rose. While the Portland area experienced the highest density of closures, businesses elsewhere in Maine also closed their doors like Yonder in Wiscasset, Goods in Camden, Side by Each in Auburn and Big G’s in Winslow to name a few. Additionally, Biddeford encountered some headwinds this past year with a number of closures including Lorne Wine, Dizzy Bird, Vickie’s Veggie Table and Pint & Pawn.

Here are some additional highlights:

  • Waterford – Chef Brandon Montes joined the team at Tallulah’s which upped the game of the seasonal farm-to-table restaurant.
  • Brunswick – A number of space swaps are taking place in Brunswick. The Great Impasta is moving into a space vacated by Portland-based Maiz, the former Scarlet Begonia’s is being backfilled by a new Sicilian restaurant called Pomelia, Nomad closed and the owners of Dutchman’s are planning to open an Italian restaurant called Paolo’s in its place, Joshua’s Tavern closed and the owners of Linden + Front are in the process of building out Ram & Bull in that spot, and the Stadlers moved Bao Bao from Portland into the building occupied by their restaurant Tao Yuan. On top of that Brunswick saw the opening of Reverie Coffee, a second Blake Orchard, Lil Jam Cookies, and a new edition of Walter’s Cafe, and the sad loss of Caballera’s.  The hobbit-themed cafe and cocktail bar Elevenses is scheduled to open on January 11th.
  • Bath –  Linden + Front opened as did a German bakery and restaurant called The Pelzer. Solo Pane e Pasticceria is expanding their kitchen and seating area into an adjacent storefront.
  • Windham – Portland area restaurant veterans Hannah Buoye and Billy Hager launched Waxwing Bakery. Waxwing serves croissants, chocolate cream pie, savory items like sausage rolls and quiche, muffins, cookies, slices of cake, Tandem Coffee with a full range of espresso-based drinks as well as China Jade and English Breakfast from Mem Tea. Hager and Bouye plan to add a lunch menu early next year that will offer salads and sandwiches.
  • Bridgton – A Japanese-inspired restaurant called Bar Kosho opened in November.
  • Machias – Brewer-based Mason’s Brewing Company’s opened a second location, and Ross Florance launched his weekly 8-course chefs tasting menu restaurant, Flora.
  • Bangor – Two new cocktail bars The Key Room and Barliman’s opened in Bangor this year.
  • Skowhegan – After 72 years in business Island Dairy Treat went out of business.
  • Waterville/Winslow – Borderland Coffee opened in the Schupf Arts Center and Meza took overthe former home of the Lebanese bakery in Waterville, and Big G’s in Winslow closed after ~38 years in business.
  • Piscataquis County – Whittle Bird Coffee Co opened a coffee shop and cafe in Guilford, Pleasant and Center launched a new outdoor cafe in Monson, and Bissell Brothers closed their brewpub in Milo.
  • Lewiston – AfroTaste and Boba closed in Lewiston, and Crouse House Coffee Roaster launched January. El Pocho’s Mexican Grill has moved into the former Boba space on Lisbon Street.
  • Swanville – Chef Khristoher Hogg opened his new restaurant Circumstance.
  • Camden/Rockland – The Place bakery was featured in a New York Times article about the 22 of the Best Bakeries Across the U.S. Right Now. Closure of Goods in Camden made way for Alna Store alumni Hannah Adams and chef Devin Dearden to open Winona’s. Spice Pizzeria, a second location of The Spot and 13 Oak opened in Rockland. First Fig and Buttermilk Kitchen opened for business in Camden. Me Lon Togo chef/owner Jordan Benissan has shared his plans to move his Rockland restaurant to Freeport in 2025.
  • Elsewhere in the Midcoast – Charm Thai and Aekier Brewing opened and Yonder closed in Wiscasset. Barco Provisions and Rue 77 opened and a fire destroyed Schooner Landing in Damariscotta. Ida’s in Waldoboro continued to expand their range of events and food pop-ups. Four local residents took over management of S. Fernald’s Country Store in Newcastle. Honey’s opened in Thomaston, Dos Gatos Gastro Pub opened in Belfast and Amandine in Searsport.
  • Biddeford/Saco – Apero, Catface Cafe and Edelweiss opened in Biddeford. Finestkind, gluten-free bakery/cafe Sweets & Co., and Swell Nitro Coffee launched in Saco. Owner Mark Johnston retired and closed his longtime Saco business Vic & Whit’s at the end of December and Vickie’s Veggie Table, Pint & Pawn, Lorne Wine, and Dizzy Bird all closed in Biddeford. Additionally, Carolina and Luis Tovar became the new owners of Pacifico.
  • Elsewhere in York County –  Lee Franks opened a second location of their South Berwick burger shack. Mussette owner Jonathan Cartwright launched Caring Community Cuisine, a new initiative to “focusing on family nutrition and human interaction to help those battling cancer.” Oarweed Restaurant in Ogunquit was extensively damaged in a fire, Via Sophia by the Sea closed in Kennebunk. In Limerick, Blaze Brewing Company took over operation of Doles Orchard and Gneiss Brewing went out of business. In Springvale, Downhill Bagels launched in March and closed in December while they seek a new location and Meeting Ground Coffee opened. Finally, Festina Lente launched a second restaurant called Secundo in South Berwick and Alex d’Emarese opened his new bakery/cafe in Baker Bru in North Berwick.

Top ARTICLE

The most popular articles we published in the past year were:

  1. When Pigs Fly – the closing of the bread shop in Bayside. When Pigs Fly had opened the shop in October 2023. (August 31st)
  2. Bao Bao Moving– news that the Stadlers would be moving Bao Bao to Brunswick. (May 13th)
  3. Anania’s – news that owners Ed and Barbara Anania were retiring and selling their Congress Street store. (October 23rd)
  4. Anjon’s – news that the longtime Scarborough restaurant would be reopening. (May 28th)
  5. Cherished Possession – word that a new restaurant was under development in Allen’s Corner. (May 16th)
  6. The Send Brewing – first word that Cole Corbin would be opening a new brewery in the building formerly occupied by Foulmouthed Brewing in Knightville. (June 19th)
  7. Zu Bakery Beard Award – a report from Chicago that Zu Bakery was the recipient of a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Bakery category. (June 10th)
  8. Fujimoto Beard Award– a report from Chicago that  was the recipient of a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Baker category. (June 10th)
  9. Finestkind – first word that a team from Central Provisions/Tipo leader were working on a new restaurant in Saco. (May 14th)
  10. Magissa Opening Soon – a report on the soon-to-open new Greek restaurant in East Bayside. (May 1st)
  11. Cantina Calafia Opening – photos and menu from the West End restaurant that opened on March 13th. (March 10th)
  12. Lucky Cheetah Opening – photos from the new Old Port restaurant opening in the space formerly occupied by the Old Port Tavern. (July 23rd)

The Maine Food Map, Thanksgiving List, Under Construction List, Beard Awards page and guides to Maine cider and Maine apples also received a lot of visitors last year.

Passings

The past year witnessed the passing of several members of the Maine food community.

For some additional perspectives on the past year see the Maine Sunday Telegram Best of 2024 round-up.

The 2023 Year In Review

| Posted in People, Under Construction, Events, Openings, Closings, Year in Review, Maine

Here’s a look back at the 2023 year in food. It’s been a very busy year of events, openings and, sadly, of closings too. Read on for a refresher on the year we just experienced and for a look at the new restaurants, bars, pizzerias, and other business that are in the pipeline.

Closings – Some restaurant close every year whether due to retirement, lack of business success, owners interest in pursuing a new venture or external personal circumstance. However, 2023 has clearly seen much more than its fair share. 2023 has been notable not only for the overall number of business closures, but also for touching established businesses as well as more recent arrivals alike.

To name just a few there was Little Woodfords, Maine Mead Works, the Rosemont wine bar, and Bull Feeney’s in Q1, Blue Spoon (since reopened in Rockport), Tiqa, Full Turn and Timber in Q2 and Vena’s shared plans not to launch their new bar/retail shop, Petite Jacqueline, Rick’s Lobby Cafe, The Danforth, Wolf Peach in Camden in Q3, and the CBD on Congress, the Other Side Deli, Judy Gibson, Radici, The Snug and Cabana in Q4. See this page and the month-by-month recap below for a fuller accounting of the departures.

Hopefully as we head into 2024 we’ll see this peak in these losses to the food and dining community subside.

Maine Food Map – The energy that’s powered the Portland area restaurant scene for the last decade is also now making an impact on communities across the state. New hospitality businesses are launching in small towns like Waterford and Alna as well as in tourist destinations like Rangeley and Eastport. Nowhere has that entrepreneurial activity been more keenly evident than in the Midcoast. However, the last two years have also seen notable establishments opening in locations like Gardiner and Lewiston—cities that weren’t at the top of anyone’s #TheNextBiddeford list. A pandemic influenced in-migration to Maine from other states is one of the contributing factors which has brought experienced professionals to (or back to) Maine and a growing customer base for the businesses they’re creating.

Take a look back the 2023 reporting on the Maine food scene for more details, but here are some of the highlights:

  • Beard Awards: The Quarry in Monson was a Beard Awards winner in the Outstanding Hospitality Category, and Nezinscot Farm in Turner was named a James Beard America’s Classics Award winner
  • Kennebunk: Chefs Nate Norris and Annie Callan opened Bev’s Cafe and Market in Kennebunk
  • Bath/Brunswick: Caballeras, BizziBuns, Oysthers, and The Abbey all opened. A new Holy Donut shop, Reverie Coffee and Linden + Front are under construction. After a long hiatus Tao Yuan reopened.
  • Camden/Rockport: Costa Media opened in the former Wolf Peach building. Additionally,  Albatross, the new bar at The Norumbega, The Place Bakery, Sea Hag Cidery and the relocated Blue Spoon opened. Buttermilk Kitchen is under construction.
  • Thomaston: Honey’s is under construction and Uproot Pie Company just opened.
  • Alna: The Maine Sunday Telegram named The Alna Store their pick for the Best New Restaurant of 2023.
  • Greenville: the Blair Hill Inn hired Max Snyder as their new chef.
  • Belfast: a new wine bar called Pulling Corks, and a taco/cocktail bar called Dos Gatos are under construction.
  • Wiscassett: The “prettiest village in Maine” saw the opening of Jolie Rodger’s and Yonder, and Jodie’s took the place of Sarah’s.
  • Blue Hill Peninsula: Travel and Leisure declared the Blue Hill peninsula “One of the Best Places to Eat in the U.S. Right Now“.
  • Union/Warren: Alsace opened in Union and the Black Goat Test Kitchen opened in Warren.
  • Lewiston: The opening of Bon Vivant brought fine dining back to Lewiston.
  • Waldoboro: The Waldoboro Inn launched Ida’s their fun bar and pop-up collaboration venue.
  • Gardiner: Table Bar launched a dinner service with chef Jimmy Leftis.
  • Buxton: Oak & Ember opened in September.
  • Saco: The Scandinavian bakery Fika opened.
  • Waterford: The launch of Tallulah’s at The Waterford Inne.

Upcoming in 2024 – There remains a strong pipeline of new businesses under development in the Portland area. For a full list see our Under Construction list. Here are just some highlights to look forward to:

There are also several other exciting new projects in the works that we’ll be writing about soon. Check back soon for all the details.

Notable Events of 2023

Passings

Top 10 Articles

The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.

  1. Salvatore’s Hoagies – first word of the new sandwich takeout business.
  2. Oak & Ember – first word about a new restaurant in Buxton.
  3. 2023 Beard Semifinalists – 11 Maine restaurants and chefs were named as awards semifinalists.
  4. Battery Steele – first word of the brewery’s expansion to Wells.
  5. Bistro Leluco – opening of the restaurant in South Portland.
  6. Wander at Longwoods – first word about the farm-to-table restaurant in Cumberland.
  7. Tacos La Poblanita – first word of their new restaurant in Westbrook.
  8. Thanksgiving List – the 2023 edition of our Thanks giving Resource list.
  9. Lambs – opening announcement for Lambs in South Portland.
  10. Lecha – first word about the new boba tea and ice cream shop in Deering Center.

For an additional perspective on the past year in food see the Maine Sunday Telegram Dine Out Maine: Best of 2023 article, and the Portland Old Port 2023 wrap-up.

This is the 14th year running that Portland Food Map has published a year in review article. Take a walk down memory lane by checking out these past editions that covered 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

The 2022 Year In Review

| Posted in General News, Events, Openings, Closings, Year in Review, Under Construction

Here’s a look at the highlights, themes and key moments from the 2022 year in food:

Concept Shift – with the pre-pandemic closure of Five Fifty-Five and the 2022 shuttering of Back Bay Grill and Hugo’s, Portland’s fine dining ranks have thinned quite a bit. Twelve is the new standard bearer for white table cloth dining in Portland. In the meantime, daytime cafes and combination restaurant/markets are increasing in number. Smalls and Friends & Family are a prime examples, and coming online in 2023 are the Bread and Friends bakery/cafe, The Ugly Duckling in the West End, the Night Moves/Lambs collaboration, and the new LB Kitchen.

National Recognition – while none of the nominees came home with the gold in June, the 2022 James Beard Awards season saw Maine honored with 10 semifinalists (just shy of the record 11 set in 2020) and a record 5 finalist nominees—a confirmation of the strength of the Maine restaurant industry and hopefully an indication of what’s to come (watch for the 2023 semifinalists list in February). National recognition came in other forms as well this year: Bon Appetit included Regards on their list of the Best New Restaurants in America, the NY Times identified Leeward and Twelve as two of the “50 places in America we’re most excited about right now,” Food & Wine and CN Traveler shared their love of Biddeford, and Esquire magazine has named Twelve to their 2022 list of the Best New Restaurants in America.

Maine Food Map –Biddeford will continue to be a hot spot, and new restaurants are opening in South Portland and the Portland suburbs. However, there’s also been a growing drumbeat of new and interesting food and beverages businesses opening outside the Portland area, and in 2022 that seemed to have gone into a higher gear…here are just a few examples from the past year: Table Bar in Gardiner, Aboslem Cider in Winthrop,  Nomad in Brunswick, Solo Pane in Bath, the new Dennett’s Wharf in Castine, The Alna Store in Alna, Sidereal Brewing in Vassalboro, Wolfpeach in Camden, Sophia in Belfast, Perch in Waldoboro, Hey Sailor in Searsport, and The Rooting Pig in Bristol.

Upcoming in 2023 – For a rundown of new food businesses under development see PFM Under Construction list. Here are some of the more exciting ones in the pipeline:

  • Bread and Friends – an elevated bakery/cafe located on Fore Street.
  • Lambs/Night Moves – Kerry Haines is bringing her bakery to South Portland and her partner Wade Ritchey is opening a bar in the adjoining space.
  • LB Kitchen – Lee Farrington and Bryna Gootkind are reopening LB Kitchen in an expanded space on the corner of Congress and Smith Streets.
  • Lenora – a taco bar focusing on Mexican-inspired street food from the creators of Lone Star in Boston.
  • Mr. Tuna – a new iteration of Mr. Tuna located on Middle Street is slated to open this summer.
  • Papi – a Puerto Rican-inspired bar and restaurant expected to open early in 2023.
  • Quanto Basta – a brick and mortar version of the popular Neapolitan pizza food truck which will be located in the original LB Kitchen space.
  • Room for Improvement – a modern dive bar being brought to life on Wharf Street by Arvid Brown and  Nick Coffin.
  • The Continental – European pub food meets cocktails and featuring slow pour nitro ales and stouts in the Oakdale neighborhood.
  • The Ugly Duckling – Chaval owners Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti are launching this daytime cafe and bakeshop on Danforth Street in early 2023.
  • Vertical Harvest – a 70,000 square-foot hydroponic vertical greenhouse in Westbrook.

There are also several other exciting new projects that are currently under wraps but will go public soon. Check back later this year for details.

Top 10 Articles

The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.

  1. Eastern Prom Food Trucks – early report by the Portland Phoenix that the city was considering new rules to manage food trucks on the Eastern Prom (March 30th)
  2. Somebody Feed Phil – debut of the Somebody Feed Phil episode from Maine (April 7th)
  3. Sacred Profane Brewing – first report on Sacred Profane Brewing being under construction in Biddeford (February 21st)
  4. AC Moving to SoPo – first report on A&C Grocery moving to South Portland (March 2nd)
  5. The Danforth – interim report on The Danforth (February 15th)
  6. The Continental – first report on The Continental (April 14th)
  7. Indy’s Sandwich – first report on Indy’s (February 6th)
  8. Paper Tiger – first report on Paper Tiger (January 6th)
  9. Fish & Whistle – first report on Fish & Whistle in Biddeford (February 1st)
  10. Tobi Open – report on the opening of Tobi (June 3rd)

Notable Events of 2022

Passings

For an additional perspective on the past year in food see the Maine Sunday Telegram Best of 2022 article.

This is the 13th year running that Portland Food Map has published a year in review article. Take a walk down memory lane by checking out these past editions that covered 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

The 2021 Year In Review: Pandemic, Food Trucks, Openings, Closings, Etc.

| Posted in Under Construction, Reviews, Events, Openings, People, Year in Review

It’s been another busy and challenging year. Here’s an attempt to provide a high level overview of the 2021 year in food:

  • Covid-19 – the pandemic continued to have a big impact on all our lives. With surge in cases that bookended the year in Maine and a peak in the spring Covid-19 continued to have a ripple effect across the industry from outdoor dining in the depths of winter to supply chain issues to a challenging labor market. Vaccines improved conditions during the summer but the delta and omicron variants have driven up case numbers and hospitalizations resulting in customers becoming more cautious and less numerous as we head into winter. A small number of restaurants have implemented their own proof of vaccination policies and in late December a petition is began circulating among Portland restaurants that calls on the City Council to make that a city-wide approach for indoor dining. Despite all the headwinds, new food business projects continue to get launched—a sign that food entrepreneurs feel a sense  of hope and optimism about what’s to come in 2022.
  • Food Truck Boom – Food truck launches continued to surge in 2021. The Press Herald, Mainebiz, Maine Public, Bangor Daily News all wrote and discussed this trend. At one point this past summer there were almost 50 trucks on the streets or under development in Portland. Over the past decade, many businesses that started as food trucks have transitioned into brick and mortar businesses. It will be interesting to see if that’s also the case with this new set of mobile food entrepreneurs.
  • Knightville – There always seems to be some section of town which is a focal point for new restaurant development. In 2021 that new bright spot has been the Knightville neighborhood in South Portland. SoPo Seafood, BenReuben’s Knishery, Cafe Louis opened and Taco Trio moved to new digs. They all joined the Knightville veterans like Smaha’s Legion square Market, The Bridgeway, The Snow Squall, Verbena’s, Cia Coffee and relatively recent opening by Solo Cucina, Judy Gibson, and Foulmouthed Brewing. The former Taco Trio space is now vacant and there are other store fronts that may come on the market so we’re likely to see more growth here into 2022.
  • John Woods – John Woods passed away at the age of 57. Woods was a co-founder of Full Plates Full Potential and was tireless fighter in the battle against childhood hunger in Maine. His work touched the lives of so many people and made Maine a better place. In his memory Full Plates established the John T. Woods Innovation Fund.
  • Upcoming in 2022 – For the full list of new food businesses under development see PFM Under Construction list. Here are some of the current highlights:
    • Bread and Friends – a brick and mortar bakery/cafe being launched by a pair of couples who moved here from the Bay Area. In 2021 they started selling wholesale and at some local farmers’ markets. B&F will be located at 505 Fore Street and is slated to open in late summer.
    • Dila’s Kitchen – a Turkish eatery located on the second floor of the Public Market House. Watch for them to launch in early 2022.
    • Hi-Fidelity Beer – a low ABV brewery  and community space in East Bayside.
    • Lenora – a taco bar focusing on Mexican-inspired street food being launched by partners from from Lone Star Taco Bar and Deep Ellum in Boston. Watch for them to launch in early summer.
    • Twelve – located in the reconstructed Pattern Storehouse from the Portland Company Complex, Twelve will feature the culinary talents of Matt Ginn and Colin Wyatt.
    • TBD – Gin & Luck (the parent company of Death & Co.) is opening an as yet unnamed restaurant and bar in the Danforth Street location formerly occupied by Little Giant.
    • Wicked Fresco – a food truck that was originally slated to open this past summer. Wicked Fresco co-owners Camila Sohm and Eric Mendoza plan to tap into their Colombian and Salvadoran food cultures and Maine seasonal ingredients to serve a menu of sweet and savory salads as well as sides and hand-crafted sodas.
    • Zu Baker – a neighborhood boulangerie in the West End being launched by Barak Olins this spring.

There are also several other exciting new projects that are currently under wraps but will go public soon. Check back later this year for details.

Top 10 Articles

The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.

  1. Valentine’s Day List (February 6th)
  2. Vy Banh Mi food truck (January 20th)
  3. Stacks Pancake Company (April 19th)
  4. Lucky Pigeon gluten-free brewery (January 21st)
  5. Apres in East Bayside (April 19th)
  6. Luna and Salt Yard (March 11th)
  7. Jackrabbit Cafe (March 31st)
  8. BenReuben’s Knishery (March 11th)
  9. Wayside Tavern (April 22nd)
  10. Launch of Truckalico (March 14th)

Notable Events of 2021

Passings

For additional perspectives on the past year in food see the Maine Sunday Telegram A to Z annual round-up, and their restaurant critic’s list of the Best of 2021.

This is the 12th year running that Portland Food Map has published a year in review article. Take a walk down memory lane by checking out these past editions that covered 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

The 2020 Year in Review

| Posted in People, Under Construction, Reviews, Events, Openings, Closings, Year in Review

It’s been an extremely difficult year for restaurants and the entire world. No report can fully or adequately capture all that has happened and that we’ve experienced in the past 12 months. That said, here’s an attempt to provide a high level overview of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the rays of hope and sunshine that was the 2020 year in food for Portland:

  • Covid-19 – The pandemic crashed into the restaurant industry in the week leading up to Friday the 13th of March. It’s been a tortuous year for employees and business owners ever since. Everyone experienced the uncertainty of those early days, the rapid growth of takeout options, the eventual loosening of restrictions in the early summer that paved the way for outdoor and on-street dining, and the contraction in business as cooler weather and darker days arrived. A number of restaurants have permanently closed—each and every one of the having a ripple effect through the lives of their staff and the communities they were part of. The vaccine(s) have provided a light that we can see at then end of a long tunnel. Here’s to hoping for a better year in 2021.
  • Community – In response to Covid, the racial justice protests and hardship heightened by the recession we’ve seen the restaurant industry and the broader community work together and respond in new ways. In the spring efforts like Feeding the Frontline and Frontline Foods channeled donations from the public into free meals to medical staff who were working to respond to the pandemic. Cooking for Community was founded in Maine as a way to deliver meals to people in need while simultaneously supporting local restaurants, farms and fisheries. Thousands of Mainers took part in the Black Lives Matter protests. The restaurant industry showed its support by taking part in Bakers Against Racism, the Black is Beautiful collaboration beer project and Food Industry Action, and Mainers became new customers Black-owned restaurants, bars and other businesses informed by the list created by BlackOwnedMaine.com. Fork Food Lab established an entrepreneurial empowerment scholarship program and Mainers supported a Go Fund Me campaign to enable Me Lon Togo to move their shuttered Waterville restaurant to Camden. This list just scratches the surface…numerous efforts by individual restaurants and people have raised funds, created programs from scratch and otherwise stepped forward to help people in need.
  • Most Notable Openings – Against all odds, new food business have launched both pre/post pandemic and managed to hold on throughout the year. The most notable opening for me have been Magnus on Water in January, Judy Gibson in February, Leeward in March, Via Vecchia and Zao Ze Cafe in June and Liu Bian Tan in September, and the fearless launch of Solo Cucina Market on March 22nd. See the monthly chronicle for details on all 2020 openings.
  • Latin American and Caribbean – Options for Latin American and the Caribbean are on the upswing. Magnus on Water, Dos Naciones, Sal de la Tierra, Tacos y Tequila, Mi Pueblo Tacos y Tequila, and Pacifico all launched in the past year. In addition, Yardie Ting is planning to open a second location, Flores is building out a bigger second restaurant at 431 Congress Street, a new eatery called Caribbean Taste in under construction in South Portland, and a Costa Rican/Honduran inspired restaurant called Cafe Louis is under construction in South Portland.
  • Upcoming in 2021 – There are a number of new businesses slated to open in 2021 and I expect additions to the list to accelerate as we head into spring. For the full list of new food businesses under development see PFM Under Construction list. Here are some of the current highlights:
    • Cafe Louis – a Costa Rican/Honduran inspired restaurant being opened by Eaux owner Evan Richardson and business partner Ben Ferri in South Portland.
    • Coveside Coffee – a new coffee shop in Woodfords Corner being launched by Andy Nesheim and Zara Bohan.
    • Dandy’s Handy Store – a market being opened in Yarmouth by Garrison chef/owner Christian Hayes.
    • Elda/Jack Rabbit – Bowman Brown will be re-opening Elda and launching a new bakery cafe in the mill building Biddeford.
    • Helm – a new oyster bar and restaurant located in the WEX building on Thames Street.
    • Papa – a new food truck being launched by Josh Amergian.
    • Pigeons – Peter and Orenda Hale are opening “fly casual” daytime neighborhood bar/eatery and with a daily happy hour in the space where they formerly operated Drifters Wife.
    • Sok Sabai – a new food truck being launched by Tina Nop that will serve  Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese food.
    • SoPo Seafood – a new oyster and wine bar and seafood shop in Knightville in South Portland.

Top 10 Articles

The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.

  1. Big Takeout List (March 14th)
  2. Indoor/Outdoor Dining List (June 21st)
  3. Pandemic Casualty List (May 4th)
  4. Black-owned Restaurants List (June 1st)
  5. Rise of the Restaumart (April 21st)
  6. Maine Hospitality Workers Resource Guide (March 23rd)
  7. Vertical Harvest Coming to Maine (July 28th)
  8. Food Truck Tracking Apps (June 26th)
  9. Maine Heirloom Apple Guide (August 31st)
  10. Opening of NewYork Fried Chicken (June 7th)

Notable Events of 2020

Passings

  • Nancy Whipple Lord – a co-founder of the Seamen’s Club restaurant in 1973.
  • William M. “Bucky” Leighton, Jr., 70 –  a teacher at the Culinary Institute in Portland and a chef at Roberts Restaurant in Portland as well as a food service instructor at Portland Regional Vocational Technical Center in Portland.

For additional perspectives on the past year in food see Andrew Ross’s 2020 Best of list in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Here are links to the Portland Food Map year in review reports for 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

2019 Year in Review: Italian, Cider & Apples, New Restaurants, Closings, Top Articles, Up and Coming

| Posted in Events, Openings, People, Year in Review, Under Construction

Another year of great food and evolution of the Portland dining scene has gone by, and I’ve taken a moment to sort what took place and assembled this report on the notable events and trends of 2019:

  • Most Notable Openings – 2017 still sets the high water mark for new restaurant opening but there was a solid cohort of new businesses that lauched in the past year. I would highlight the most notable openings in 2019 as: Christian Hayes’ new restaurant The Garrison in Yarmouth, Greg Mitchell’s new West End restaurant Flood’s, the launch of Gross Confection Bar (both restaurant and bakery) by Brant Dadaleares, the opening of the culinary knife shop Strata on Washington Ave, the re-emergence of Ten Ten Pié talent Atsuko Fujimoto leading her own business Norimoto Bakery, the vegan ice cream shop Sticky Sweet in Bayside, the opening of  Basque cider bar and restaurant Anoche and the opening of Nura by the owners of Falafel Mafia. You can see a full list of opening in the calendar section of this report below.
  • Italian is All the Rage – After several years of relative stability, the Italian restaurant landscape is undergoing some tectonic changes. Both Vignola/Cinque Terre and Espo’s closed, and JP’s Bistro moved to Falmouth. Maria’s moved from their longtime home on Cumberland Ave to the former Espo’s location on Congress Street. Rockland-based Ada’s Kitchen is soon to open a location in the Arts District. Jake and Raquel Stevens are in the process of launching a new Italian restaurant called Leeward on Free Street, and Joshua Miranda is launching Via Vecchia in the former Vignola/CT building on Dana Street. Beard Award semifinalists from New Jersey, Randy and Ally Forrester, are taking over 52 Washington Ave where they plan to open Radici Pizzeria, and the former Anjon’s location in Scarborough will be the home of a new Italian restaurant in 2020 called Amore on the Marsh.
  • Cider and Apples – I may be a bit biased, but I think heirloom apples and cider came into their own in 2019. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Out on a Limb Apple CSA has raised the awareness and changed the appetites of us all. Apple buyers can now find heirloom varieties regularly on sale at Rosemont, the Co-op and other markets. Maine is now home to 3 cider bars (Perennial, The Cider House, Anoche)—the only New England state with even one—that are developing an appreciation for how excellent and diverse hard ciders are.   The heirloom apple tasting that The Righteous Russet and Portland Food Map hold each year sold out in record time and we were invited to put on an encore presentation the following week at the Blaine House.  The Cider Club, a small group of restaurant professionals, cider makers and enthusiasts, now meet regularly to taste ciders from Maine, New England and across the nation, and new Maine cider makers came on line in 2019 and I hope to see more in the coming years.
  • Closings – several well-loved restaurants—Ten Ten Pié, Walter’s, Local Sprouts, Lolita, Brian Boru Andy’s Old Port Pub and Silly’s—all closed in 2019. There was a lot of concern about whether this the indication of a major shift in the industry or a sign of unwanted change in our city. The Press Herald even did a feature story that explored whether we were seeing a restaurant bubble about to burst. The short answer is we’re not but that didn’t lessen the sting for longtime customers of establishments that have been lost. At least in two cases fans have gotten a reprieve with the relaunch of Andy’s scheduled for January and the launch Norimoto Bakery by Ten Ten’s very talented former baker Atsuko Fujimoto. The Local Sprouts and Silly’s spaces have already been leased to restaurants that will open in 2020, and I expect that will also happen with the former Walter’s and Lolita locations.
  • Upcoming in 2020 – There are a number of new businesses slated to open in 2020—the full list can be seen here PFM Under Construction list—that hopefully will be successful in building their own loyal following. The ones I’m most looking forward to are:
    • Magnus on Water – a cocktail bar and restaurant in Biddeford.
    • Leeward – an Italian restaurant on Free Street being launched by Jake and Raquel Stevens.
    • Judy Gibson – a contemporary American restaurant from Chris Wilcox, a former chef de cuisine at Eventide.
    • Radici Pizzeria – an Italian pizzeria by Randy and Ally Forrester who ran the Beard semifinalist Osteria Radici in New Jersey.
    • Speckled Ax – a new 2nd location for Speckled Ax on Thames Street.
    • Terlingua – Terlingua is taking over the former Silly’s building where they’ll have a larger restaurant, outdoor seating and market.
    • Two Fat Cats – TFC is moving from their original location to a larger building in West Bayside.
    • Via Vecchia – Joshua Miranda, the owner of Blyth & Burrows, is opening an Italian restaurant and bar in the former Vignola/Cinque Terre.
    • Name TBA – Chad Conley and Josh Sobel’s new eatery on Washington Ave.

Top 10 Articles

The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.

  1. The opening of Bird & Co in Woodfords Corner (March 12)
  2. The launch of Kuno, a food truck serving Malaysian Peranakan cuisine (February 16)
  3. First news about Other Side Diner (February 6)
  4. Report on new ownership of Congress Bar and Grill (August 30)
  5. The closing of Local Sprouts (July 3)
  6. News that the Minervinos were taking over Pizza Villa (February 21)
  7. The opening of Coals Pizza (June 12)
  8. The opening of the Royale Lunch Bar (April 2)
  9. JP’s Bistro decission to move to Falmouth (September 30)
  10. First news about the Maine Maple Creemee food truck (July 10)

Notable Events of 2019

  • January – the former Aurora Provisions building was bought at auction by Tom Landry, 6 Maine producers were award recipients at the Good Food Awards, Botto’s Bakery celebrated their 70th anniversary, the 2019 Chef’s Summit took place; Gross Confection Bar and Little Sichuan opened; Ice It Bakery, the Washington Ave CBD, Rosanna’s Ice Cream closed; and both Frog & Turtle and Tandem Bakery announced expansion plans.
  • February – 9 Maine chefs and restaurants were among the 2019 Beard Award semifinalists, Figgy’s chef/owner Natalie DiBenedetto appeared on Chopped, word broke about Magnus on Water, Sam and Rob Minervino took over Pizza Villa, Portland Food Map began publishing monthly restaurant real estate listings; Strata, Oxbow Beer Garden, the Kuno food truck launched.
  • March – Two Maine brewers Lone Pine (5) and Mast Landing (24) were among the Brewers Guild’s list of the fastest growing brewers in the country, Elise Miller from Rosemont competed and won on Chopped, Hunt & Alpine bartender Sylvi Roy came out on top at the North East SpeedRack competition, Chad Conley and Greg Mitchell celebrated 5 years of owning Palace by keeping the diner open continuously for 30 hours, Cong Tu Bot hosted Lil’ Deb’s Oasis for a pop-up, Rob Tod from Allagash Brewing Co. was named a Beard Awards nominee in the Outstanding Wine Beer or Spirits Producer category, Chaval bar manager Pat McDonald became a national finalists in the 2019 Tio Pepe cocktail competition, North Bayou and Ripka relocated to Maine; the MBC tasting room, Bird & Co, Dizzy Bird opened, and Ten Ten Pié closed.
  • April – Matt Ginn and Christian Hayes appeared together on MaineVoices Live, a fire temporarily closed Fore Street, the inaugural Seaweed Week, the first Turamali pop-up took place at Belleville, Northern Hospitality was named an IACP awards Finalist, Mary Ann Esposito was the guest of honor at a Solo Italiano dinner, Atsuko Fujimoto founded Norimoto Bakery, Rose Foods launched a guest chef series; Cheevitdee began serving breakfast, the Other Side Diner, Royale Lunch Bar, Maiz opened.
  • May – Rob Tod was the recipient of a Beard Award in the Outstanding Wine, Beer and Spirits Producer category, Maine resident Scott Tyree became a Master Sommelier, Hop Culture and The Boston Globe published eating guides to Portland; Flood’s, Blue Spoon Cafe, Quiero Cafe, Grippy Tannins, and Rebel Cheesesteaks opened; Vignola/Cinque Terre and Walter’s closed.
  • June – The Great Lost Bear celebrated its 40th anniversary and Coffee by Design celebrated their 25th, the 2nd annual PFM paper pocket guide was released, the 2nd Annual Portland Wine Week took place, Wine Enthusiast named Drifters one of the 100 Best Wine Restaurants in the country, Northern Hospitality was a final nominee for a Tales of the Cocktail award; Coals Pizza, Island Lobster Company, Poke Maine, LB Kitchen West, Yardie Ting, Bánh Appétit, Huong Ice Cream Coffee Shop, Lorne Wine and the Forest Ave Blake Orchard opened; Local Sprouts closed.
  • July – Krista Desjarlais appeared on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Cherry Bombe recorded a podcast episode with a panel of Maine’s female chefs and food producers, a fire temporarily closed Ri-Ra and Flatbread, CBD released a set of 3 anaerobic process coffees; The Garrison, the Gross Confection bakery, Three of Strong Spirits, Twist, and Black Dinah Chocolatiers opened; Maelily Ryleigh closed.
  • August – The Wall Street Journal has published an “An Incomparable Insider’s Guide” to Portland, the New York Times has published an article on Bluet, Conde Nast Traveler has published a set of articles about Portland, Chaval was the featured restaurant for an Outstanding in the Field dinner, Mr. Tuna kicked on a dinner series – Mr. T’s Night Market – with guest chef Sang Lee, David Mallari appreared on Chopped; the Cider House, the Old Port edition of Po’ Boys & Pickles, and Chula Elotes opened; Brian Boru, Silly’s and Simply Vegan by Silly’s closed.
  • September – ChefsFeed held three collaboration dinners at Lio, the B Side explored “the myriad unexpected ways honeybees are part of the social and cultural fabric of our everyday life,” the 3rd Annual Dine Out for Equality took place, BlueFin hosted a Maine meets Miami dinner with chef Micheal Beltran from Ariete Coconut Grove, the Washington Post has published A Local’s Guide to Portland, Novare Res hosted Cantillon Zwanze Day, the 2nd edition of Maine Chefs Table was released; Sticky Sweet opened, Poke Pop closed and the owners announced plans to replace it with a restaurant called Noodle Love, and JP’s Bistro announced plans to move to Falmouth; Lolita closed.
  • October – Portland Food Map launched a line of branded tote bags, t-shirts, coffee mugs
    with the tag line Small City Big Appetite, Man & Oak kicked off a set of whiskey blending workshops, the  6th Annual Heirloom Apple Tasting with a follow-up event taking place at the Blaine House, Culinary historian Michael Twitty gave a talk at USM, The Boston Globe has published an article about The Purple House and its chef/owner Krista Kern Desjarlais, Harvest on the Harbor took place, the Independent Ice Company earned their Executive Bourbon certification from the Stave & Thief Society, Coffee by Design was recognized by Roast Magazine as their 2020 Macro Roaster of the Year; Candy’s and CBG opened, Terlingua announced plans to move into the former Silly’s building, Burke’s Perks replaced One Six Green in Monument Square, the Toast Bar extended their hiatus due to the lack of staff, and Flying Fox juice bar closed
  • November – Portland Beer Week and the 15th Annual VegFest took place, Little Woodfords was recognized as one of the Best Coffee Shops in America by Food & Wine magazine, Medium explored the question “Why is the Whitest, Oldest State in the U.S. Home to Such a Vibrant Food Scene?, 12 Maine food producers were announced as  finalists in the 2020 Good Food Awards; Cocktail Mary, Uncharted Tea, Anoche, the new Cheese Shop opened, and A & C Grocery began serving dinner; Andy’s Old Port Pub and Portland Pulp closed.
  • December – news surfaced that John and Tanya Lowell are in the process of buying Andy’s Old Port Pub with plans to reopen it, the Maine Sunday Telegram examined whether the Portland restaurant industry is a bubble about to burst, Thrillist included the Hunt & Alpine Club on their list of the Best Cocktail Bars in America, the Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook project launched; Nura opened, Maria’s reopened after completing a move to the former Espo’s space on Congress Street; The 5 Spot and Rockin Ricky’s Closed.

Passings

For some other perspectives on the past year see articles by Andrew Ross and Avery Yale Kamilla, and annual A to Z roundup in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Here are links to the Portland Food Map year in review reports for 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.