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New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:
- The owners of Swell Nitro Coffee in Saco have launched a new business called Down Town Market by Swell (instagram) in the adjacent space to their coffee shop where they sell “local goods sourced primarily from Maine and other parts of New England think cheese, pasta, pickles, jams, salsa, chips maple syrup, cookies, protein bites and more”. The breakfast and lunch menu includes breakfast sandwiches and burritos, salads and lunchtime wraps and subs. The hours will be Wednesday through Sunday 7 am – 3 pm. See this field report from Frannie Eats Maine for a look inside.
- The New York Times has published a Midcoast edition of the 36 Hours travel series. It highlights The View bar, Salt Wharf, Franny’s, Camden Cone, 8 Bells, Buttermilk Kitchen, First Fig, Bleeker & Greer, Sammy’s Deluxe, Newty’s and The Causeway.
- Rosemont Market has announced plans to move their Yarmouth store to 108 Main Street (above left). The new market is under construction and expected to open in 2027. The space is 50% larger than the current location.
- The Lincoln County News has published an article about Brill’s Bakery (above right) which opened for business On September 5th in Wiscasset. Brill’s Bakery (instagram) is located at 27 Summer Street and will be open Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am – 2 pm.
- A new food truck called Emma Lou’s Bakery (website, facebook, instagram) recently launched. You can find them serving a menu of cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches and coffee at the Camp Ellis Pier in Saco.
- The Press Herald reports that Magno Terra Cafe has temporarily closed after plans to relocate to the former Fresh Approoach space in the West End fell through.
- Bandaloop has served their last meal. The Portsmouth Herald reported earlier this year that the restaurant is under contract. The new owners are expected to be opening a new business at the building in Arundel.
- Eating Through the Seacoast has published a field report from the Devil’s Half Acre Beer Garden in Blue Hill.
- The Quoddy Times reports that Eastport’s only grocery store, the R&M IGA, has closed.
- The Bangor Daily News published an article about the new owners of the Lake Road Grocery (facebook) in New Canada. The BDN also has a report about Hey Sailor in Searsport “A popular Searsport restaurant and bar that has anchored the coastal town’s downtown revival in recent years abruptly went dark this week, prompting online speculation about its future. Hey Sailor! was not open during its regular hours Friday and its official internet pages have disappeared.”
- Artist and forager Rachel Alexandrou will be leading an edible plant walk at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth on September 21st.
- Crouse House Coffee in Lewiston, Tandem Coffee, and Milk & Honey Cafe in Windham are working together to hold a latte art competition on September 24th, 5:30 – 8 pm.
- Natalie’s restaurant in Camden and Browne Trading are collaborating on a 6-course caviar dinner taking place September 25th.
- The Maine Fermentation Fair is taking place in Waterville on October 17th.
- The Rad Roots Harvest Celebration is taking place in Lewiston on October 2nd. “This annual harvest meal and festival will showcase local farm fresh food alongside the local work being done to build and connect Lewiston and Auburn to a sustainable and thriving local food system. Come for the meal, stay for the food tastings, zine making, face painting- kids activities, music and more!”
- As previously reported, Magnus on Water has earned a second pin from The Pinnacle Guide—a rigorous international program that evaluates and rates cocktails bars. The Biddeford bar and restaurant is one of just 61 establishments worldwide in the Outstanding double pin category along with peers in London, Paris, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Athens, Los Angeles, New York and other cities.
- As previously reported, Sai Guntaka and business partner Jim Baldi have leased a space in South Portland where they plan to open a Italian restaurant called Il Forno (facebook, instagram)
The Maine Food Map is our statewide dining guide with a list of 123 coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses from across Maine’s 16 counties.