Category: Maine

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Bar Kosho (facebook, instagram) has opened for business in Bridgton (bottom left). The Asian fusion restaurant and bar is a collaboration between The Little Mountain Store and Street Eats chef Jeremy Donovan. The menu (see full menu below) includes items like Tuna Tataki (unagi glaze, tarragon oil, karashi mustard, tobiko, purple shiso) and peekeytoe crab toast (toasted milk bread, leeks, red curry coconut, yuzu tobiko). Bar Kosho is open Thursday through Saturday, 4 – 11 pm and 4 – 9 pm on Sunday. They’re located at 1382 North High St in Bridgton.
• Second Rodeo Coffee (instagram) opened for business on Saturday (top right). The Ferry Village coffee shop and community gathering spot is located at 124 Sawyer Street in South Portland. Second Rodeo is serving Vivid Coffee from Vermont. Brewed coffee and a full range of espresso-based drinks are available. Food options on the menu include breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and avocado toast (see the full menu below). Second Rodeo is open weekdays, 7 am – 2 pm, and weekends 8 am – 3 pm.
• Chef/owner Jordan Benissan is planning to move his Rockland restaurant Me Lon Togo (website, facebook, instagram) to Freeport. As shared on the MLT restaurant website, the menu “pulls from West Africa’s indigenous and colonial influences to establish his unique representation of West African cuisine.” The new restaurant will be located in a ground floor space at 58 Main Street (bottom right). Benissan plans to close down in Rockland in January and launch the Freeport location in February. This will be Me Lon Togo’s fourth location and is part of his efforts to provide diners in Maine the chance to experience his home country’s cuisine by moving the restaurant to different communities “one small town at a time.” He hopes the success of Me Lon Togo will inspire other immigrants from Africa to launch restaurants in Maine.
• The owners of Dutchman’s in Brunswick have announced that they will be taking over management of the space they share with Nomad (upper left) in the Fort Andross Mill. Nomad has shared that their last day in business will be November 24th. Dutchman’s post on instagram indicates that, “As we get closer and round the corner into 2025, more details will become available about what is to come with the restaurant side of the space. We are excited and poised to execute yet another vision of what hospitality is to us and we can’t wait to share it with you all.”
• Elevenes (website, instagram), the hobbit-themed all-day cafe and bakery under construction at 50 Maine Street in Brunswick has announced they’ll be opening on January 11th.
• The Sun Journal published an article about Deltacom Coffee and its founder John Wayne Nelson.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• The Wiscasset Newspaper reports that Sukitta and Stephen Heald have leased and renovated the former Miss Wiscasset Diner building where they plan to open Charm Thai (facebook). They hope to open the restaurant in November.
• Kelsey and Jonathan Turcotte closed down their Wiscasset cafe Yonder last week (upper right photo). The Turcottes opened Yonder in late September 2023. They shared on instagram, “We have had an absolute blast and appreciate all the support and love over the past year! However, we have decided to switch focus to the two other businesses we currently operate.”
•  Primo is celebrating their 25th anniversary with a dinner on November 16th. An all-star line-up of six guest chefs will be collaborating with chef/owner Melissa Kelly on the menu: Nancy Silverton, Ilma Lopez, Jody Adams, Emily Luchetti, Kathleen Blake, and Larry Forgione.
• The Press Herald reports that Gritty’s is closing down their location in Freeport at the end of November.
• A petition regarding the roadside parking spots at The Cookie Jar has gotten more than 4,500 signatures on Change.org. See this article in the Press Herald for details on the situation.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• • A new restaurant called Kool Runnins Jamaican Cuisine (instagram) has opened for business in South Paris, Maine. Chef/owner Walton Wray is serving a menu that includes ox tail, jerk chicken and pork, curry goat and sweet potato pudding. Kool Runnins is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm.
  • The Sedgley Place (website, facebook, instagram) in Greene is new ownership. Ali Desjardin plans on continuing the 5-course menu and has launched a new brunch service. This winter Desjardin plans to add new dinner hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Carolina and Luis Tovar are the new owners of Pacifico (website, facebook, instagram) in Saco. The Tovars have been working at Pacifico for two years and purchased the restaurant from Carlos Guzman and Alejandra Herrera who launched Pacifico on November 28, 2020. The Tovars plan to maintain what has made Pacifico a success as “vibrant, welcoming space that celebrates Latin flavors and culture.” They’re planning some new concepts for the menu and look forward to developing partnerships with other local businesses. This Monday they’ll be holding a cocktail event “featuring spooky cocktails from local bartender Jordan Jones.” Guzman and Herrera will continue to own and operate their two other restaurants, the Quiero Cafes in Portland and Saco.
  • Blue Ox Malthouse (website, facebook, instagram) celebrated the grand opening of their new facility in Lisbon Falls last week. The new building has tripled their floor malting space and quadrupled their processing capacity. Blue Ox was launched in April 2013 by Joel Alex.
  • Stacks Pancake Company is working to open a second location at 183 US Route 1 in Scarborough. The Papanikoleau family opened the original Stacks on Riverside in July 2021.
  • The owners of Vickie’s Veggie Table have announced they’ll be closing their Biddeford cafe. Their last day in business will be this Monday, October 28th. Their statement read in part, “we are incredibly grateful for the two years you have all given us. Vickie’s Veggie Table has been such an incredible experience for both of us and we are so happy that we were able to bring downtown Biddeford some healthy vegan options. We hope that we’ve helped inspire Biddeford to open up more vegetarian, vegan, and healthier spots so that our community can grow in a positive way. We also hope we’ve inspired you to cook some yummy vegan food at home!” They plan to write a Vickie’s Veggie Table cookbook.
  • The Midcoast Villager has published an article about Concepta Jones and her business Concepta’s Studio (website, instagram). Jones operates a self service roadside bakery and sells a selection of South African Indian spice blends. The article reports, “Jones plans to sell her baked goods and other dishes at the Belfast Farmers’ Market starting in January. She is planning a menu built around her signature curries, including curry pies and curry wrapped in roti, the flaky Indian flatbread.”
  • Khristine and Zac Leeman have leased the former Joshua’s space on Maine Street in Brunswick where they plan to open a new restaurant. The Harpswell Anchor report the menu will include, “[t]avern-style food, including burgers and sandwiches, will be served, as well as entrees, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.” The Leemans opened Sundrenched, on Bailey Island in 2022, and Linden + Front in Bath this past February.
  • The Maine Bagel has announced their last day in business will be November 27th. They’ve been located on Route One in Scarborough for close to two decades.  A statement posted online (facebook, instagram) reads in part, “Due to circumstances beyond our control we are obligated to vacate the building that has given our family so many wonderful memories. We have been blessed with employees and customers that have allowed our dream to come to fruition. We set out with a vision to provide the community with a bagel shop that prided itself on service, quality, and value. We believe we achieved this and in the process gained many friendships that we will cherish forever.”
  • The Bangor Daily News and Midcoast Villager report that a new owner, Steve Ashey,  has taken over the Chocolate Drop Candy Shop (website, facebook, instagram) in Belfast. Ashey hopes to relaunch the candy shop on November 30th. The previous owners had closed the shop in September after 15 years in business.
  • Nina June owner Sara Jenkins has won an award from Montagna Cortonese for the 2023 vintage of the olive oil she produces in Italy.
  • Meridians restaurant in Fairfield has permanently closed. The restaurant had initially shut down in January and reopened back in June.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• • South Berwick-based Lee Franks has opened a second location of their burger and hot dog restaurant in Wells. It is located at 321 US Route 1. They’re currently open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
  • Mussette owner Jonathan Cartwright has announced plans to launch Caring Community Cuisine, a new initiative to “focusing on family nutrition and human interaction to help those battling cancer.”
  • Lorraine Fagela plans to launch her new Saco gluten-free bakery/cafe on Friday. Sweets & Co. (instagram) is located at 294 Main Street and will be open 9 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday this week.
  • The Bethel Sugar Shack recently launched Mimi’s Place (facebook) in Dixfield. Mimi’s serves a menu of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and specialty pizzas. They’re located at 60 Weld Street and are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm.
  • Peekytoe Provisions (website, facebook, instagram) recently opened their new Bar Harbor market/cafe. Owners Drew Smith and Cyndi Bridges have built out a new market/cafe at 244 Main Street where they’re open Wednesday through Sunday, noon – 8 pm. The market stocks seafood as well as charcuterie, cheeses and other provisions. The cafe serves (menu) a wide range of apps, salads, sandwiches and entrees with cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Owner Derek Laplume has announced plans to close the Pint & Pawn board game cafe in Biddeford at the end of November.
  • Kennebunkport-based chef Germán Lucarelli, has leased space at Rock Row in Westbrook with plans to open a new restaurant called The Asador Grill.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• • Mainebiz reports that Big Tree Hospitality plans to replace the current Higgins Beach Market building with a new structure.
  • On Thursday owners of the Muddy Rudder in Yarmouth shared on facebook that “[w]ith a broken heart I am announcing the Muddy Rudder is closing indefinitely effective immediately.” See this Press Herald article about the closure and potential sale of the business.
  • Sunrise Bagel is closing down their location in Winthrop. Thursday October 10th will be there last day in business.
  • The Maine Monitor has a report on the Caribou Russet potato which was developed at the University of Maine and “has overtaken the state’s potato market, edging out breeds that dominated the market for over a century.”
  • The Lincoln County News has published an article about Walpole Wildflours, a home bakery in Walpole that sells to several businesses in South Bristol and through an honor system pick-up location in Damariscotta.
  • The Bangor Daily News reports that Rio’s in Searsport has closed. Their last day in business was October 1st. Amadine Bakery (website, facebook, instagram) which is operated by the same owners remains in business.
  • In the better late than never category, we’re happy to report that Meridian’s (website, facebook, instagram) reopened for business in June. Both the bottle shop and restaurant (photo above) are now co-located at 166 Maine Street in Fairfield. The owners had shut down both the restaurant and retail shop back in January, and at the time shared “in order to move forward and properly maintain our commitment to our mission and our community, we are taking time to regroup and reflect…”
  • Winona’s (instagram) opened for business on Thursday. The new restaurant is located on Elm Street in Camden. For some additional reporting on Winona’s see this recent article from the Midcoast Villager. You can make a reservation for Winona’s online.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• • Union Bagel Company (instagram) has moved to Falmouth and joined forces with Bernie’s Foreside. Founder Paul Farrell launched Union Bagel in 2013 at 147 Cumberland Avenue. Farrell and Bernie’s owner Adam Shapiro have now built out a bagel bakery in the space adjacent to Bernie’s at 204 Route One where you can get their bagels to go or as a breakfast sandwich to enjoy at the cafe. Union Bagels are also being served at other local establishments like Luna Cafe in Scarborough and Bom Dia on India Street.
  • Food & Wine selected Absolem Cider in Winthrop for a short list of 5 Must-Visit Northeast Cideries.
  • Island Dairy Treat in Skowhegan has gone out of business after the building it is located was sold. The Morning Sentinel has all the details on how the sale led to the closure of the 72 year old local business.
  • A new eatery called Mr. Chickpea (instagram) recently opened at 611 Main Street in South Portland on Route 1. The fast casual restaurant serves a variety of plates and wraps like the lamb kabob plate and chicken kufta wrap as well as smoothies and prepared foods to go.
  • Spice Pizzeria (website, facebook) opened last week at 59 Camden Road (photo on left) in Rockland. The menu features “Thai Food on the Dough” with options like a Pad Thai pizza and a Masaman Curry pizza. The menu also includes some rice and noodle dishes and appetizers like gyoza and chicken wings. They’re open daily 11:30 am – 8:30 pm.
  • A new cafe called Borderlands Coffee Company (instagram) has opened for business in Waterville. They’re located at 93 Main Street and are open Tuesday through Friday 7 am – 3 pm and Sat 8 am – 3 pm. They serve coffee from Three Ships.
  • The Bangor Daily News reports that a new tea shop is under development in Hodgdon. Owner Randi Farrar hopes to launch Randi’s Corner Perk later this fall. The BDN also has published an interesting article about Maine’s cranberry industry and a report that Super Scoop in Belmont is for sale by its owner  Julie Heeter who has operated the shop for 26 years.
  • The owners of the Sterlingtown Public House launched a second location (photo on right) of their burger-centric restaurant The Spot (instagram) in Rockland last weekend. It’s located at 131 North Main Street and is open Wednesday through Monday 11 am – 8 pm. The original The Spot is located in the town of Washington.
  • The New York Times included The Alna Store in the paper’s list of their “50 favorite places in America right now.”
  • The Maine Sunday Telegram published a 3½ star review of River House in Damariscotta.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• • The inaugural edition of the Midcoast Villager includes an article about Dennis’s Jerk Chicken in Warren and its owner Dennis McCalla. The Midcoast Villager is a new newspaper reporting primarily on Waldo and Knox counties published by Reade Brower. Brower and his company plan to launch the Villager Café in Camden next year.
  • Smithereen Farm has put together a digital map that highlights 140 food and dining establishments (see above) in Washington County. The map is part of an ongoing effort funded by a USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant to develop the Washington County which includes a marketing program, multi-vendor farm store and a commercial kitchen.
  • Jacqueline Dole has written an article about the Midcoast for Travel & Leisure that highlights some of her favorite place to visit, stay and eat at.
  • Owners of The Whale’s Tooth in Lincolnville has announced they’re putting the business up for sale and that they plan close the pub on October 14th.
  • Maine Calling on Maine Public radio aired a show last week about Franco-American food traditions.
  • the Bangor Daily News has published an update on Winona’s (instagram) the new restaurant under construction on Elm Street in Camden.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• Matt Haskell, the owner of Blaze Brewing Company, has bought and relaunched Doles Orchard (website, facebook, instagram) in Limerick. Visitors to the orchard can pick their own apples and grab lunch from the Blaze mobile wood-fired kitchen The menu includes pizza, wings, barbecue sandwiches. Shown above is the smoked brisket sandwich. See the Doles Orchard instagram account for details on which apple varieties are ready to pick.
• The results from the 3rd Annual Maine Cheese Competition are out. Thirteen Maine cheesemakers took home awards across all nine categories. The program took place last week at the Maine Cheese Guild’s annual festival in Pittsfield.
• Casa Novello is in the process of building an addition to their Westbrook restaurant. The new room is set to house an additional dining room that can seat 30.
• The relaunch of Anjon’s Ristorante in Scarborough is scheduled for next week. The restaurant had been in business for more than 60 years when it closed in 2019.
• The Bangor Daily News reports that the Legacy Sandwich Shop will be closing at the end of this month after 14 years in business.
• See our Maine Heirloom Apple Guide and Guide to Maine Cider to research you weekend road-trips this fall.

For a guide to eating and drinking across our state see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:

• A fire has destroyed Schooner Landing in Damariscotta. The fire started overnight on September 1st. Fire crews from Bremen, Nobleboro, Waldoboro, and South Bristol aided in putting out the blaze. See reports from The Lincoln County News, the Bangor Daily News and the Times Record for additional information. The owners plan to rebuild the restaurant, and a benefit for the restaurant employees is planned for September 22nd.
• Food & Wine has highlighted the Knightville neighborhood in South Portland as “Maine’s Next Big Dining Destination.”
• The Bangor Daily News reports that Chocolate Drop Candy Shop in Belfast will be closing down at the end of September. The owner’s announcement on facebook reads in part, “Downtown Belfast is thriving, in fact our store has had one of our best years ever. While there are several reasons we are closing, lack of business is not one of them. The truth is running a busy candy store for 15 years takes a ton of time and effort. We look forward to the next chapter in our lives.”
• Finestkind (website, instagram) opened in Saco on Thursday.

For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.