Luis’ Arepera quietly closed down their restaurant at 948 Forest Ave late last year. They’ve now announced plans to re-open in Gray this summer.
Due to a fire back in September, the Fishermen’s Net, Thai Essan and Paella Seafood had to close. Thai Essan has announced they plan to re-open sometime this summer or early fall. The owners of Paella Seafood and Fishermen’s Net also plan to eventually re-open.
Onggi, the fermentation-focused shop on Washington Ave, has leased the former A&C Grocery building at 131 Washington Ave. The move will more than quadruple their space—from 300 sq ft to 1,300 sq ft—enabling them to expand the retail, food service and experiential elements of their business. They hope to open at the new location this spring.
The new building will have a dedicated space to hold in-person classes, workshops, and special events, and also have room for a bigger selection of fermented provisions, books, and fermentation equipment in their retail shop.
With a larger kitchen, Onggi 2.0 will offer a wider selection of pastries and beverages, add a new rotating lunch service featuring fermented foods, and produce more house-made fermented products. The new location will also have indoor seating.
Onggi was founded by Amy Ng, Erin Zobitz, and Marcus Im in April 2021. Onggi is currently located in one of The Black Box retail spaces on Washington Ave.
Vogue magazine has included Twelve (website, instagram) in their list of the America’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2022.
Twelve is being launched by the Prentice Hospitality Group—owners of Evo Kitchen + Bar, Evo X, and the Chebeague Island Inn—and will be located in the historic Pattern Storehouse building at the Portland Foreside development. The storehouse is building #12 and hence the name of the restaurant.
A new cocktail/oyster bar and restaurant called Paper Tiger (facebook, instagram) is under construction at 425 Fore Street in the space formerly occupied by the Maine Lobster Shack. Co-owners Michael Fraser, Nace Cohen and Marcus Alcantara are currently renovating and reconfiguring the space with hopes to open by early spring. When construction is complete Paper Tiger will have a 12-14 seat bar, counter seating along the front window facing Fore Street, as well as some small and large booths and outdoor seating.
The menu and concept draw on a wide variety of influences,
Inspired partly by traditional fast food, partly by oyster bars, and partly by late night Chinese restaurants, Paper Tiger’s food offerings are eclectic, but the central theme here is bold flavors executed with locally sourced, seasonally appropriate seafood, meats, and veggies. The intense tastes of Polynesian dishes, the smack of umami from Japanese street food, the richness of American burgers and wings, whole grilled fish, noodle dishes, lobster fried rice, simple vegetable dishes, and a killer raw bar with oysters and crudo… Exotic flavors, American flair, New England products, and crazy creativity come together at Paper Tiger.
Similarly the cocktail menu will incorporate a variety of concepts with an emphasis on island-style classic cocktails and rum-based drinks. Alcantara will be developing three different house rum blends and is planning to stock a large selection of rums, mezcals, and tequilas. Local craft beer as well as wine will also be part of the bar program.
Fraser got his start in the industry working first at Cinque Terre and then as a server at Fore Street; he is the co/owner of Congress Bar and Grill as well as Bramhall and Roma Cafe. Alcantara who will be the bar manager and front of house manager, and Cohen who will be the chef, have both been part of the team at Bramhall and Roma. Cohen’s resume includes time working at Central Provision, the Gramercy Tavern in New York (2014 – 2016) and Tail Up Goat in DC (2016 – 2018). Alcantara has managed cocktail bars in Tennessee, North Carolina, Seattle and Washington.
The partners hope to open Paper Tiger by early spring.
Stars and Stripes Brewing Co. (website, facebook, instagram) has leased the space formerly occupied by Lio at 3 Spring Street where they plan to open a second location.
Stars & Stripes opened their original location in Freeport in November 2018. They anticipate launching their Portland tasting room this spring/summer where they will serve wine, prosecco on tap and light food options in addition to their own beer.
Welcome to the January 2022 edition of the Portland Food Map restaurant real estate listings sponsored by The Boulos Company. This monthly column gathers in one convenient place the spaces available in Portland that could be potential sites for restaurants and food producers/retailers to locate their next business.
Even during the pandemic many people are pursuing their dreams and opening new food businesses. Finding the right spot is one of the crucial early challenges in launching a new business and hopefully this new resource will make that step just a little bit easier.
West End
235 Vaughan St – the 700 sq ft space most recently occupied by Other Side Deli and which had been the longtime home of Vaughan Street Variety is for lease. Call (207) 650-0846 for more information.
101 York St – 2,179 – 5,212 sq ft of space in the new building on the corner of York and High Street is available for $15-20/sq ft (NNN). The space already has a hood vent and grease traps installed.
Arts District
554 Congress St – 1,397 – 1,621 sq ft former Dunkin’ Donuts space with hood for $1,518-2,301/month (NNN).
555 Congress St – the former Five Fifty-Five building is for sale for $2,400,000.
642 Congress St – the former Ada’s space is available to sublet; 2,569 sq ft (MG).
Bayside
170 Anderson St – 2,000 – 3,500 sq ft in East Bayside available for $15/sq ft (NNN).
15 Chestnut St – the 14,000 sq ft building that was the former home of Grace is for sale for $3,730,000.
31 Diamond St – this 2,800 – 22,034 sq ft industrial space in East Bayside is available for $16/sq ft (NNN).
178 Kennebec St – 4 retail spaces (1,800 – 5,314 sq ft) on the first floor of a new building for $30/sq ft (NNN).
Old Port
1 Commercial St – the original location of Benkay at the corner of Commercial and India Streets is available. The 2,494 sq ft is for lease at $35/sq ft (NNN).
383 Commercial St – 1,639 – 3,487 of retail space on Commercial Street for $28/sq ft (NNN).
98 Cross St – 3,803 sq ft in the space formerly occupied by Rhum is available for $20/sq ft (MG). The entrance is on the backside of the Free Street building that Arabica is in and is a couple doors down from the Portland Yoga Collective.
30 Danforth St – 1,881 and 2,900 sq ft of space are for lease at $2,900 – $3,950/month (MG).
446 Fore St – 1,600 – 3,400 sq ft in the former Pearl space with entrances on Wharf and Fore Streets is available for $30-40/sq ft (MG).
40 Free St – the new building constructed by JB Brown has four storefronts ranging in size from 1,358 to 3,067 sq ft for $30/sq ft (NNN).
5 India St – 1,250 – 2,500 sq ft for $35/sq ft (NNN) in a new building under construction near the intersection with Commercial St.
47 India St – 1,000 sq ft of the former Lois’ Market building is for lease, $40/sq ft (NNN).
38 Market St – a 1,200 subterranean space near the intersection with Milk Street for $1,175/month (MG).
55 Market St – this 3,700 sq ft space on Market Street was formerly occupied by the Big Easy. It’s available for $24/sq ft (NNN).
1 Monument Square – 1,500 sq ft of first floor space for $3,125/month (MG).
25 Pearl St – 1,689 sq ft former Subway space available for $30/sq ft (MG).
66 Pearl St – 5,796 sq ft of space—the former Bull Moose retail shop—is available for $15.75/sq ft (MG).
3 Portland Square – This new building will include 2,500 – 20,000 square feet of retail space for$28.50/sq ft.
41 Wharf St – the former Jager space is available; 1,107 sq ft for $43/sq ft (MG).
42 Wharf St – this 3,770 sq ft space in the Old Port includes a 2,000 sq ft patio, $45/sq ft (MG).
India/Washington Ave
251 Congress St – 1,036 sq ft of space is available as of March 1st; $3,250/month (NNN). This listing includes basement access and one parking spot (with option to rent additional parking spaces). Email for more information.
100 Fore St – 3,000 sq ft of space that the listing says is “ideally suited for a restaurant use” for $27-30/sq ft (NNN).
22 Hancock St – 978 sq ft for $2,300/month (MG).
Forest Ave
333 Forest Ave – a 2,468 retail space is available for $16/sq ft (MG).
701 Forest Ave – this former Rite Aid building is being converted and has 4 retail spaces available for $16-20/sq ft (NNN).
945 Forest Ave – 500- 1,220 sq ft of space in the former Photo Market building for $12/sq ft (NNN).
1190 Forest Ave – located right in the center of Morrill’s Corner; 1,500 – 5,082 sq ft for $12/sq ft (NNN).
Other
170 Brighton Ave – a 2,173 sq ft free-standing building which most recently was home to D Ajan’s Market, includes parking; $22/sq ft.
873 Brighton Ave – the 1,334 sq ft building that formerly housed the Redemption Center is for sale for $465,000.
441 Congress St – The 2,400 sq ft former home of Guitar Grave across the street from 1 Monument Square is available for $20/sq ft.
1020 Congress St – a 3,375 service station that is going to be “redeveloped as part a planned mixed use development”. The finished space will be available for $18/sq ft (NNN).
88 Danforth St – a 1,231 sq ft free-standing building on Danforth Street is for sale for $269,000.
132 Marginal Way – 1,584 sq ft of retail space available for $25/sq ft (NNN).
155 Riverside St – the Season’s Bar & Grille and Banquet Center is for lease. The 23,750 sq ft facility includes parking and all furniture, fixtures and equipment.
240 Saint John St – 1,661 – 10,000 sq ft in Union Station Plaza for $12-14/sq ft (NNN)
Westgate Shopping Center – two spaces are for lease at $17-37/sq ft (NNN).
158 Pickett St, South Portland – the former home of 158 Pickett Street Cafe is for lease. Call (207) 615-2858 for more information.
23 Lincoln St, Biddeford – a 12,600 sq ft space divided equally on two floors, each floor has a kitchen with hoods is available for $11/sq ft (NNN). Contact Tony Delois for more information at anthony@uncommongroups.com.
Biscuits & Co, Biddeford – Biscuits & Co closed on October 16th and the business and equipment is for sale. Contact Biscuitsandcompany@gmail.com for more information.
Other Spaces – some vacated restaurant spaces haven’t yet been formerly listed for by the owner. Check the closing announcements for the latest information.
Glossary
MG – Modified Gross which indicates that the operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.) for the property are included in the lease rate. The tenant would pay its own utilities, which sometimes includes heat.
NNN – Triple Net which indicates that operating expenses are not included in the lease rate, and the tenant will pay them separately. They are often referred to as CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges and taxes, which are expressed as $/sf. The tenant is also responsible for utilities.
Gross – Gross indicates all expenses including utilities are included in the lease rate. The tenant would be responsible for phone and internet access, as well as interior janitorial.
It’s been another busy and challenging year. Here’s an attempt to provide a high level overview of the 2021 year in food:
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.
The most popular articles published on Portland Food Map in the past year.
January – The City Council extended outdoor dining permits through to May 10th, the Maine Sunday Telegram reported on the high demand at local food pantries, Eat Drink Lucky completed a survey on outdoor/indoor dining perspectives during the pandemic, a new company called Huga began beta testing a heated seat pad for use at outdoor dining spots, the East Ender launched a guest chef series, Terlingua launched a BBQ collaboration series, and seven Maine food producers won Good Food award winners. Sugar High Donuts, the Iron Side Whiskey Bar, Coco Cones and Rover opened.
March – John Woods passed away at the age of 57, Maine Restaurant Week took place, Food & Wine included Forage, Rover and Scratch Baking on their list of the Best Bagels in America, owners from Cheevitdee and Mi Sen began working on a new restaurant called Mitr, The Maine Farm to Table Cookbook was published, Mainer News delved into the early days of Rob Evans and Nancy Pugh’s work at Hugo’s. Belleflower Brewing, Siblings Bakery, Vy Banh Mi, and the Foodtruckalico phone app launched. MJ’s Wine Bar closed and owner Mark Ohlson began converting the space into what would become Citrus.
May – Work began on a second volume of the Maine Community Cookbook, Joe Ricchio interviewed Krista Kern Desjarlais for the Food Coma Maine podcast, a group of restaurants collaborated to raise money for organizations fighting AAPI hate. Soul Food Paradise, BenReuben’s Knishery, Paddy Wagon, La Fritanga, Cheese Louise, Caribbean Taste, Pigeons, Speckled Ax on Walton Street, Rwanda Bean on Thompson’s Point, Curbside Comforts, DiMillo’s on a Roll, Coveside Coffee, The Pink Waffle, Snowology, Buzz Coffee, Higgins Beach Market, and Jackrabbit Cafe opened.
July – Construction began on Hi-Fidelity Brewing in East Bayside, the Washington Post published an article about Bresca and the Honey Bee, the owner of Barrett Made and and a cofounder of Austin Street began work to launch a nonalcoholic brewery called KitNA. Cafe Louis, Brickyard Hollow, Citrus, Eighty 8 Donut Cafe, Apres, Stacks Pancake, the Witty Monkey and Wayside Tavern opened; Cakes Extraordinaire moved to Yarmouth and Bam Bam moved into their former space on Brighton Ave. Figgy’s closed.
September – Gin & Luck began work to launch a new restaurant in the former Little Giant space on Danforth Street, Cantillon Zwwanze Day took place at Novare Res, Bard began work on a second location in the Portland Foreside development. Flores, Sarah’s Farmstand Kitchen, Tokyo Sushi Ramen, SoPo Seafood, and the La Mega coffee cart opened.
November – 10 Maine food producers were named finalist in the Good Food Awards, Harvest on the Harbor took place, longtime food reported Meredith Goad retired from the Press Herald, Lenora took over the long vacant Walter’s space, and Tandem began renovations of their original cafe on Anderson Street. Butcher Burger, Maker’s Galley, Ghee, Cellardoor, Old Port Nutrition, and the Brunch 207 food truck opened. Big Sky closed their location in the Public Market House.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.
Mainebiz has published a report on the soon to start renovations of Scratch Baking in Willard Square.
A growing neighborhood bakery in South Portland’s Willard Square is beginning a major renovation to keep up with demand — and to relieve customer crowding that no longer seems acceptable in the pandemic era.
Mainer News has published an update on Vena’s Fizz House’s project to move their shop and bar into a former Portland church.
The Cormans hope to have the doors open next spring; they and Marquis are already planning several themed events for next year. And the old church will still be available for weddings — Steve Corman is a notary who’s already performed ceremonies as “The Marrying Bartender,” a much better nickname for such occasions than The Bitterest Man in the World.
For more details, see this earlier announcement.
The American Journal reports that Big Fin Poke is moving to Rock Row, and that a new restaurant tentatively named Paper City Barbecue is taking its place.
Siblings Tom and Meg Minervino plan to open a barbecue restaurant, tentatively named “Paper City Barbecue,” at 855 Main St., this spring or summer.
The new restaurant’s vibe will be very different from the taproom’s, Tom Minervino said. It will have a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with some arcade games and things for young kids to do.
The Minervinos are also partners in Legends Rest in Westbrook, and Rathskeller on Wharf in Portland.