Author: PFM

Big Tree Hospitality (website) is the new owner of Town Landing Market (website, facebook, instagram) on Route 88 in Falmouth. Big Tree closed on the purchase Wednesday. They don’t expect to make any major changes to the operation of the market.

In operating the Town Landing Market, Big Tree will be taking the baton from previous owner MaryBeth Bachman and generations of proprietors who have operated the market since the late 1800’s and established it as one of the pillars of the Falmouth community. Big Tree intends to do no more or less than carry on in their footsteps, keeping the market in its current form and striving to make it the best version of itself. “We have always loved the Town Landing Market and the rich history it holds as a building and community institution and hope we can be as good stewards to the market as those who have operated it for over a century now. We look forward to bringing our love for food and local markets to Falmouth” says Co-owner Kira Butera.

In 2021 Big Tree Hospitality became the owners of the Higgins Beach Market in Scarborough. They also operate Eventide Oyster Co and Eventide Fenway, The Honey Paw, Big Tree Catering, and Big Tree Grocery.

This week’s Portland Phoenix takes a look at neighborhood bars with an update on The Continental which is under construction on Brighton Ave, and interview with owners from Samuel’s and Howie’s.

“The neighborhood decides if you’re the neighborhood bar,” he said. “You try to provide a great product, you have to want to be there every night and find good people to work for you. And the neighborhood decides, they have to show up. You’re the fortunate one if they do.”

He said there is something about knowing all the regulars’ names that sets a neighborhood bar apart. He said it makes you feel accepted, where if you see the regulars out walking around or at the store, you wave and say hello, and they do the same.

“There’s something about knowing the community is happy to know you’re there,” Barbuto said. “When that finally clicks, it’s like the business is breathing on its own.”

Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti have leased 246 Danforth Street in the West End where they plan to open a new daytime bakeshop and cafe called The Ugly Duckling (instagram). They hope to have The Ugly Duckling open by the end of July.

Our focus will be Buttermilk English Muffins with a range of flavors, freshly made tarts, Our Famous Trocaderos, Custards, Mousses and more. (There will be some Gluten free and vegan options also). It’s a Bakery/Patisserie Our way. We will serve espresso (and espresso drinks) and drip coffee from Speckled Ax beans. There will be house made preserves, spreads, jams and more for the muffins (that will also be available retail). And we will serve some breakfast style items in the morning also. Then come lunch the menu will shift and wine and cocktails will be available to pair with your charcuterie & cheese, or tinned fish, or sandwich. We will also expand on the Custom-Made Cakes or any occasion and tailor it to your tastes. And we will be open for Brunch on the weekends also. All in a great place to hang out in all day to eat and meet with friends.

Their aim is to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome,

This is a place where all the misfits find themselves, be you and proud. Because at the end of the day we are what we see in the mirror, and to my eyes we are all just perfect. It is our self-reflection and perception that matters, how we see ourselves that matters, we need to show up for us, we need to love us.

Lopez and Sansonetti will introduce a pay-forward system at The Ugly Duckling that will enable their customers to donate funds to feed members of the community. Funds that don’t get used by the end of the month will be donated to Maine-based nonprofits.

As you can see from the floor plan the space features a 15-seat horseshoe coffee bar as well as additional table seating in the front windows of the former PrintCraft shop. The Ugly Duckling will be available in the evening as an event space and to host private parties.

Lopez and Sansonetti also own and operate Chaval, and previously operated the now closed Piccolo.