Category: Under Construction

The number and diversity of vendors operating in the Public Market House has expanded significantly since they opened. It’s now home to Ameera Bread, Big Sky, Bow Street, Crepe Cafe, Daily Greens, Kamasouptra, Maiz, Pho Co, Sticky Sweet.

The mix and layout is set to change again. Bow Street is soon to move out to their new building at 495 Forest Ave and Cafe Crepe is making room downstairs for Maine Squeeze to move from the second floor. Those changes will free up two spots in the Market for new vendors.

The Press Herald has posted an update on Dunstan Tap & Table (website, facebook, instagram) the new restaurant under construction in Scarborough by the owners of Shay’s in Monument Square.

Brenerman said the couple had looked for a suitable location for about six or seven years. They noticed a need in Scarborough for a pub-style restaurant, and other businesses had begun to move into the Dunstan development.

Brenerman said Shay’s is a place where regulars congregate and everyone knows one another, an atmosphere they would like to foster at Dunstan Tap & Table.

For more information also check out this artcle by Mainebiz.

After 3 years in development, an ownership change and a name change the lobster shack under construction at 425 Fore Street continues to move forward. The Maine Lobster Shack (website, facebook, instagram, twitter) has applied for a liquor license and has recently started recruiting staff. The 38-seat restaurant will also have additional seating for 14 outdoors in the Summer.

Here’s the draft menu (pages 50-51) supplied with the application:

A new Italian food truck called The Truffle Truck (website, facebook, instagram, twitter) is under development with plans to launch later this year on Commercial Street.

Chef Corrado Cassoni is planning a menu that includes tajarin and truffles, potato stuffed agnolotti and truffles, arancini, pasta e fagioli, carbonara with lobster and truffles, and pannaacotta with truffles. Truffle Truck promises “Authentic Italian Cuisine of the highest quality at an affordable price”.

Arcadia has leased additional space adjacent to their bar/arcade on Preble Street to expand their business. The additional space will enable the build out of a kitchen, tables and booths for seating and “a more open flow” to Arcadia overall. As part of the project they’re rebuilding the bar and adding a 12-line tap system.

Construction has already begun. Arcadia plans to close for a few weeks starting at the end of February when they’re ready to connect the two space and move the bar, and plan to re-open in Mid-April. During that time they’ll be running a Night Pinball League at Coast City Comics and their “games will be scattered across breweries and a restaurant or two around town”.

The Forecaster has published an update on the collaboration between Rawanda Bean, White Cap Coffee and Cape Whoopies under construction at 185 Cottage Rd.

No name has been decided on yet, but Marcia Wiggins, of Cape Whoopies, said she has been lobbying for “Coffee Guys and Whoopie Pies,” to encompass all aspects of the business and those involved — Ben Graffius and Tom Marlow of White Cap Coffee, and Mike Mwenedata and Nick Mazuroski of Rwanda Bean Coffee.

The businesses are all relatively young, and less than five years into operation, and the owners said they are pleased with the growth that has allowed them to lease the space on Cottage Road at the foot of Meetinghouse Hill.

Mainebiz has posted an update on Dunstan Tap & Table (website, facebook, instagram) which is under construction on Route 1 in Scarborough.

The 90-seat restaurant, located at 1000 Portland Road (U.S. Route 1), will feature American pub fare. It’s owned by Brian and Jen Brenerman, who also own Shays Grill Pub in Monument Square in Portland.

The Press Herald has posted an updated on Poké Pop (instagram) which has been under construction at 658 Congress Street.

Limsitong said his Portland restaurant will offer something different. His goal, he said, is to target Asian customers with a variety of Asian dishes, “and local people who want to try something new and of good quality.” He said he believes he will be the first restaurateur in Maine to serve bingsu. In his version, the shaved ice will be flavored with things like green tea, and toppings will include fruit such as mango and strawberry.

Construction has begun on Sagamore Hill (website, instagram) the new cocktail bar located at 150 Park Street in the lobby of the former Lafayette Hotel building. As you might have guessed from the name of the bar, the owners are fans of Teddy Roosevelt, and the nation’s 26th president is a touchstone for the design and cocktail menu.

Sagamore will seat 96 overall, including sidewalk seating for 38 during the warmer months. Kaplan Thompson are the architects and Burnham & Lobozzo the contractors. Might & Main has been hired to handle branding and design.

Owners Ryan Deskins and Michael Savona are aiming to open Sagamore this May.