Under Construction Archives - Page 8 of 181

Ocotillo – Brunch in the West End

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction

The owners of Terlingua have taken over the former Danforth/Little Giant building in the West End where they plan to open a new restaurant called Ocotillo (website, instagram) which will serve brunch 8 am – 3 pm.

As you can see from the sample menu (see below), like Terlingua, Ocotillo is taking its culinary cues from the flavors of Mexico and Texas. An agave-focused beverage program with coffee and agua frescas will complement a menu of breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and variations on eggs benedict with churros, French toast, a burger, salads and seasonal specials to round out the offerings.

Owners Melanie and Pliny Reynolds are making some design changes to the space to lighten up the room and bring it into alignment with the Terlingua color palette. Ocotillo will have seating for 106 people including the bar, dining room and the secluded outdoor seating area. The restaurant will be available for private functions.

Terlingua’s executive sous chef, Al Zoni, will be moving over to Ocotillo to become the head chef for the new restaurant. Lea Pilsbury, who has been at Terlingua since 2021, will be serving as the front of house manager. Wilson Rothschild is the executive chef for the overall restaurant group and Justin Dewalt is its chief operating officer. The Reynolds and their team are currently hiring to fill out the team for an anticipated spring launch of Ocotillo.

Terlingua opened on June 25, 2015 at 52 Washington Ave. The restaurant moved to its present location in late 2020.

Nearby Ocotillo are Ugly Duckling, Ruski’s, Zu Baker, Smalls and Oh No Cafe which take together are establishing this part of the West End as Portland’s Brunch District.

Dok Mali on Ocean Street

January 9, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction

Dok Mali (website, instagram) owner Nonglack Thanephonesy has leased the former Judy Gibson spot on Ocean Street in South Portland where she plans to open Dok Mali Noodle Bar.

The menu will bring over the noodle dishes from Dok Mali on India and expand on that with additional Thai noodle dishes and appetizers. Thanephonesy plans some renovations to the dining room and changes to the kitchen to install equipment needed for the new menu. She hopes to launch the restaurant this spring.

Dok Mali will be joining SoPo Seafood, Cafe Louis, Ben Reuben’s Knishery and Solo Cucina on that stretch of Ocean Street in Knightville.

Dok Mali on India Street opened in November 2022. Judy Gibson went out of business in November.

Restaurant Real Estate: January 2024

January 7, 2024January 14, 2024 | Posted in Real Estate, Under Construction

Welcome to the January 2024 edition of the Portland Food Map restaurant real estate listings sponsored by The Boulos Company—a commercial real estate brokerage that has helped Maine’s restauranteurs buy and lease restaurant spaces since 1975.

This resource gathers in one convenient place the spaces available in Portland (and a few in the surrounding area) that could be potential sites for restaurants and food producers and retailers to locate their next business. Finding the right spot is one of the crucial early challenges in launching a new business and hopefully this resource will make that step just a little bit easier.

West End/Parkside

867 Congress St – the 3,200 sq ft former church that had been slated to be the new home of Vena’s is for sale for $775,000.

Arts District

554 Congress St – 1,621 sq ft former Dunkin’ Donuts space with hood for $2,301/month (NNN).

594 Congress St – with the upcoming close of the Congress Street Starbucks, their 2,592 sq ft space in the Upper H. H. Hay Building will become available for $35/sq ft (MG).

600 Congress St – for lease signs are in the window of the ground floor space at the corner of High and Congress. The Schwartz Building has been under renovation for a decade. For more info call (207) 773-7100.

44 Oak St – 4,347 sq ft of space in a beautiful historic building at the corner of Oak and Free Streets is available for $15.50/sq ft (NNN).

Bayside

73 Cove St – a 5,519 sq ft industrial space in East Bayside is listed for $35/sq ft; it’s expected to become available later this year.

46 Elm St – this 385 sq ft corner space in the parking garage at the corner of Elm Street and Cumberland Ave. It’s available for $500/month (MG).

52 Hanover St – On the first floor of a new building will be 1,500 – 4,500 sq ft retail space available for $30/sq ft (NNN). One spot in the building has earmarked for a coffee shop.

178 Kennebec St – 2,644 sq ft of space are available in a newly constructed Bayside building for $25/sq ft (NNN).

34 Portland St – the 3,400 sq ft building that was formerly occupied by Candy’s is for sale for $525,000. It’s also available to lease for $13.50/sq ft (NNN).

Munjoy Hill

89 Congress St – 1,200 sq ft available for $25/sq ft (MG) at the top of Munjoy Hill. Contact davit70@gmail.com for more information.

Old Port

1 Canal Plaza – 4,284 – 14,412 sq ft of ground floor retail space will be available as part of upcoming renovations; $30/sq ft (NNN).

1 Commercial St – the original location of Benkay location at the corner of Commercial and India Streets is available. The 1,700-2,000 sq ft is for lease at $35-40/sq ft (NNN).

185 Commercial St – a new building under construction will include 2,334 sq ft of ground floor retail space that will be available in 2024 for $55/sq ft (NNN).

215 Commercial St – 2,487 sq ft of retail space near the corner of Commercial and Dana Streets is available for $65/sq ft (MG).

383 Commercial St – 1,193 – 4,805 square feet of space in a newly constructed building on Commercial Street is available for $28/sq ft (NNN).

441 Congress St – the 2,400 sq ft former Guitar Grave retail space is available for $15/sq ft (MG).

8 Exchange St – the 3,600 sq ft space formerly occupied by The Bar is available for lease for $33.25/sq ft (MG).

201 Federal St – 2 retail spaces will be available in the new 18-story building under construction at the corner of Temple and Federal Streets. The 527 and 2,300 sq ft spaces are listed at $40/sq ft (MG).

420 Fore St – the space formerly occupied by the Old Port Slice Bar is for lease. The 1,100 – 2,600 sq ft space is available for $55/sq ft (MG).

446 Fore St – a 1,600 sq ft space on the corner of Fore and Union Streets is available for $30/sq ft (MG).

40 Free St – a 1,511 sq ft space in the new building constructed by JB Brown is available for $27.50/sq ft (NNN).

28 Market St – the 850 sq ft space formerly occupied by Lucky Juju is available for lease for $2,800/month (MG).

46 Market St – the 2,100 sq ft space formerly occupied by Petite Jacqueline is for lease for $42/sq ft (NNN).

55 Market St – this 3,700 sq ft space on Market Street was formerly occupied by the Big Easy. It’s available for $18/sq ft (NNN).

121 Middle St – a 2,482 sq ft retail spot is available for $45/sq ft (MG).

157 Middle St – 1,091 – 5,155 sq ft of retail space is available for $27 – 29.95/sq ft (MG).

5 Milk St – this 2,199 sq ft former hair salon is available for $28/sq ft (NNN).

1 Monument Square – 1,500 sq ft of first floor space adjacent to Cera is available for $3,125/month (MG).

28 Monument Square – with the opening of their new location this year, the MR/ Tuna space in the Public Market House will become available.

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).

24 Preble St – the original Arcadia space is available. The 2,835 sq ft storefront near Dutch’s and Slab is listed for $20/sq ft (NNN).

3 Spring St – the space currently occupied by the Stars & Stripes tasting room is for lease; 2,554 sq ft for $17.50/sq ft (NNN).

3 Spring St – the space currently occupied by Stage Cannabis is for lease; 2,000 sq ft for $15.50/sq ft (NNN).

144 State St – 2 retail spaces will be available in the development in the former Mercy Hospital building on State Street. The 1,100 and 2,566 sq ft spaces are available for $20-26/sq ft (MG).

23 Temple St – a 947 sq ft retail space in the Temple Street garage is available for $26/sq ft (MG).

110 Thames St – a 2,700 sq ft space and a 3,200 sq ft space are available in the newly constructed building in the Portland Foreside development, $35/sq ft (NNN).

53 Wharf St –a 1,600 sq ft space on the corner of Wharf and Union Streets is available for $30/sq ft (MG).

India Street Area

144 Fore St – the former VA building is near the Portland Foreside development and adjacent to several new office buildings off Thames Street. It has 1,560 – 10,620 sq ft of space available for $22-29/sq ft (NNN).

Outer Forest Ave

503 – 509 Forest Ave – the exterior of this building is slated to be restored to its historic design. It has 4,500 – 9,500 sq ft of space available for $10/sq ft (NNN).

634 Forest Ave – this former garage is located at the center of Woodfords Corner near Bayou Kitchen Woodford Food & Beverage, and Bird & Co. The 1,305 sq ft building has had a change of use to allow for a restaurant use, and comes with room for 8-12 parking spaces. It is available for $2,750/month (NNN).

701 Forest Ave – 3,147 – 6,405 sq ft with parking available for $16/sq ft (NNN).

Deering

476 Stevens Ave – the Elsmere BBQ building in Deering Center is for sale for $1,395,000; the sale includes all FF&E inventory.

550 Washington Ave – 2,000 – 2,400 sq ft of the former Botto’s bakery is available to lease for $18/sq ft (NNN).

Elsewhere in Portland

1339 Washington Ave – the 4,150 sq ft former Parker’s Restaurant building in North Deering is for sale for $1,995,000.

Northgate Shopping Center – 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft of space is available.

Westgate Shopping Center – three spaces are for lease at $18-40/sq ft (NNN).

Other Spaces – some vacated restaurant spaces haven’t yet been formerly listed for by the owner. Check the closing announcements for the latest information.

Outside of Portland

188 Lincoln St, Lewiston – this 2,371 – 5,554 sq ft former fire station has been renovated for use as a retail/restaurant space. It’s listed at $5-14/sq ft (NNN).

521 Route 1, Scarborough – the 9,211 sq ft former Amore restaurant is for sale for $595,000.

1637 Post Rd, Wells – the 4,000 sq ft build that was formerly the home of Joshua’s is for sale for $2,150,000.

Billy’s Chowder House – both the building and business of Billy’s Chowder House in Wells is for sale. The ~200 seat restaurant comes with a 62-car parking lot and sits on Mile Road which connects Route 1 with Wells Beach.

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.

Thai Tree on Congress Street

January 6, 2024January 6, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction

Nonsee Oumkasem along with his parents Poj and Tunya Oumkasem have taken over the Pom’s Thai Taste restaurant on Congress Street from Rattanaphorn ‘Pom’ Boobphachati where they plan to open Thai Tree (website, instagram).

Poj and Tunya Oumkasem had been chefs at the Portland Pom’s location since it opened in 2007. They will continue to serve their most popular dishes and augment the menu with food from the Nakhon Ratchasima ‘Korat’ province where the family hails from. Thai Tree will serve beer, wine and Nonsee Oumkasem is working on a creative cocktail program that draws on flavors from Korat cuisine.

The Oumkasems are doing some renovations to the space and hope to open Thai Tree by the end of February.

Boobphachati continues to operate her other locations in South Portland and Falmouth.

Argenta Brewing

January 5, 2024 | Posted in Beer, Under Construction

Mainebiz has published an update on Argenta Brewing, the new lager brewery under construction in Bayside.

Combining Dunlap’s Western roots with his passion and knowledge for beer, Argenta Brewing will have five rotating lagers on tap, along with nonalcoholic and gluten-free options. He also plans to work with local restaurants and food trucks in the area to offer dining options, whether via pick-up or delivery.

The interior of the space and the brewery’s branding draws inspiration from historic Western saloons.

Bom Dia on India Street

January 2, 2024February 12, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction

A new quick-service acai and coffee shop called Bom Dia Cafe (website, instagram) is under construction at 47 India Street in a space immediately adjacent to Dok Mali on India Street. Owner Fletch Moffett hopes to open Bom Dia in February.

Bom Dia will be serving acai bowls, coffee, smoothies, and bagels. Their signature Bom Dia Bowl will contain an acai blend with gluten free granola, topped with banana, strawberry, blueberry, natural peanut butter, and cacao nibs.

Prior to moving to Portland, Moffett owned and operated the Freshies (instagram) acai food truck in North Conway. He gained initial experience working at Carioca Bowls acai shop in Portland, Oregon.

The 26-seat cafe was designed by Dextrous Creative, an architecture firm that’s also designed the new Tandem on Anderson Street, Dok Mali, Belleville and Rose Foods.

To get caught up on all the new restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries and other hospitality businesses in development visit the Portland Food Map Under Construction List.

The 2023 Year In Review

January 1, 2024January 5, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction, Maine, Year in Review, Closings, People, Openings, Events

Here’s a look back at the 2023 year in food. It’s been a very busy year of events, openings and, sadly, of closings too. Read on for a refresher on the year we just experienced and for a look at the new restaurants, bars, pizzerias, and other business that are in the pipeline.

Closings – Some restaurant close every year whether due to retirement, lack of business success, owners interest in pursuing a new venture or external personal circumstance. However, 2023 has clearly seen much more than its fair share. 2023 has been notable not only for the overall number of business closures, but also for touching established businesses as well as more recent arrivals alike.

To name just a few there was Little Woodfords, Maine Mead Works, the Rosemont wine bar, and Bull Feeney’s in Q1, Blue Spoon (since reopened in Rockport), Tiqa, Full Turn and Timber in Q2 and Vena’s shared plans not to launch their new bar/retail shop, Petite Jacqueline, Rick’s Lobby Cafe, The Danforth, Wolf Peach in Camden in Q3, and the CBD on Congress, the Other Side Deli, Judy Gibson, Radici, The Snug and Cabana in Q4. See this page and the month-by-month recap below for a fuller accounting of the departures.

Hopefully as we head into 2024 we’ll see this peak in these losses to the food and dining community subside.

Maine Food Map – The energy that’s powered the Portland area restaurant scene for the last decade is also now making an impact on communities across the state. New hospitality businesses are launching in small towns like Waterford and Alna as well as in tourist destinations like Rangeley and Eastport. Nowhere has that entrepreneurial activity been more keenly evident than in the Midcoast. However, the last two years have also seen notable establishments opening in locations like Gardiner and Lewiston—cities that weren’t at the top of anyone’s #TheNextBiddeford list. A pandemic influenced in-migration to Maine from other states is one of the contributing factors which has brought experienced professionals to (or back to) Maine and a growing customer base for the businesses they’re creating.

Take a look back the 2023 reporting on the Maine food scene for more details, but here are some of the highlights:

Beard Awards: The Quarry in Monson was a Beard Awards winner in the Outstanding Hospitality Category, and Nezinscot Farm in Turner was named a James Beard America’s Classics Award winner
Kennebunk: Chefs Nate Norris and Annie Callan opened Bev’s Cafe and Market in Kennebunk
Bath/Brunswick: Caballeras, BizziBuns, Oysthers, and The Abbey all opened. A new Holy Donut shop, Reverie Coffee and Linden + Front are under construction. After a long hiatus Tao Yuan reopened.
Camden/Rockport: Costa Media opened in the former Wolf Peach building. Additionally, Albatross, the new bar at The Norumbega, The Place Bakery, Sea Hag Cidery and the relocated Blue Spoon opened. Buttermilk Kitchen is under construction.
Thomaston: Honey’s is under construction and Uproot Pie Company just opened.
Alna: The Maine Sunday Telegram named The Alna Store their pick for the Best New Restaurant of 2023.
Greenville: the Blair Hill Inn hired Max Snyder as their new chef.
Belfast: a new wine bar called Pulling Corks, and a taco/cocktail bar called Dos Gatos are under construction.
Wiscassett: The “prettiest village in Maine” saw the opening of Jolie Rodger’s and Yonder, and Jodie’s took the place of Sarah’s.
Blue Hill Peninsula: Travel and Leisure declared the Blue Hill peninsula “One of the Best Places to Eat in the U.S. Right Now“.
Union/Warren: Alsace opened in Union and the Black Goat Test Kitchen opened in Warren.
Lewiston: The opening of Bon Vivant brought fine dining back to Lewiston.
Waldoboro: The Waldoboro Inn launched Ida’s their fun bar and pop-up collaboration venue.
Gardiner: Table Bar launched a dinner service with chef Jimmy Leftis.
Buxton: Oak & Ember opened in September.
Saco: The Scandinavian bakery Fika opened.
Waterford: The launch of Tallulah’s at The Waterford Inne.

Upcoming in 2024 – There remains a strong pipeline of new businesses under development in the Portland area. For a full list see our Under Construction list. Here are just some highlights to look forward to:

Allagash Brewing is opening a new tasting room at The Downs in Scarborough. It will become the primary tasting room for Allagash.
Another Round will be a board game cafe set to open on Congress Street this Spring.
Tina Cromwell is reopening her popular gluten-free business Bam Bam Bakery in Falmouth.
Brea Lu will be relaunching their cafe on Main Street in Westbrook.
Dominique Gonzalez and Justin Grey are planning to open their new Mexican restaurant Cantina Calafia in the former Bononbo space in the West End.
Double Great Coffee will be opening in the former Hilltop Coffee spot in early January.
Owners of the Greeks of Peaks food truck are launching a Greek restaurant called Mágissa in the former Baharat space in East Bayside.
Mr. Tuna is set to open a new iteration of Mr. Tuna located on Middle Street this summer.
Off Track Pizza will be bringing pizza by the slice and focaccia sandwiches back to the Old Port this Spring.
The team from Cong Tu Bot will be launching their 2nd restaurant, Oun Lido’s, on Market Street early in 2024. In the meantime stop by Cong Tu Bot for their weekend brunch to try dishes destined for the Oun Lido’s menu.
Vertical Harvest – a 70,000 square-foot hydroponic vertical greenhouse under construction in Westbrook is expected to launch mid-year.

There are also several other exciting new projects in the works that we’ll be writing about soon. Check back soon for all the details.

Notable Events of 2023

January – 11 Maine chefs and restaurants were on the Beard Awards semifinalists list. Salvatore’s Hoagies and Badger Bagels launched; the new LB Kitchen, Bake Maine Pottery Cafe and Auntie’s House opened, Badger Bagels debuted; Little Woodfords, Omi’s, Maine Mead Works, the Rosemont Wine Bar, and the Legion Square Market in South Portland closed.
February – The Danforth (which has since closed) was selected by Imbibe magazine for their annual Imbibe 75 list of the “people and places who are helping to shape the way we’ll drink in the months ahead”. Caleb Landry, Adam Sousa, and Matt Brown announced plans to launch the Portland Distilling Company. Joseph Rank recently took over ownership of Big Sky Bread Company. Nezinscot Farm in Turner was named a James Beard America’s Classics Award winner. Lenora and The Ugly Duckling opened, and Rivalries closed.
March – Double Great Coffee announced their plans for the former Hilltop Coffee space, construction began on Cantina Calafia, the Rose Foods guest chef bagel sandwich series, the New England Beer Summit and Maine Restaurant Week took place, Forbes has published an interview with Jonathan Baker about his artisanal ice business, Rebel Cheesesteaks announced plans to open a restaurant on Congress Street, Press Herald reports on how a maturing craft brewing industry is adding food service to evolve their business model. The Quarry in Monson was named a Beard Awards nominee in the Outstanding Hospitality category. A fire broke out at the construction site of the new Brea Lu Cafe location in Westbrook pushing back the opening date for the popular eatery. Papi and Thai Esaan opened and Maps reopened after an extended renovation. Maples shutdown their location in Yarmouth and moved to New Gloucester. Bull Feeney’s closed and Rwanda Bean closed their location on Thompson’s Point.
April – The staff at Cong Tu Bot formed a union, Maine Seaweed Week took place, chef Johnny Spero from the Michelin-starred Reverie served a 9-course dinner in Portland, Crispy Gai sous chef Amadeus Florendo held a pop-up serving contemporary Filipino cuisine, Travel & Leisure published an article celebrating Biddeford, seven Maine food producers were winners in the 2024 Good Food Awards, Papi Door-gate got rolling, The Danforth and the Hunt & Alpine were recognized by Tales of the Cocktail in their 2023 Regional Spirit Awards. Freedom’s Edge announced plans to open a tasting room in East Bayside. Bread & Friends, Room for Improvement, Coastal Creamery, Modestman Brewing, and The End of Portland opened. Pat’s Pizza, Tiqa, Blue Spoon (which as since reopened in Rockport), Pho Huong, Captain Sam’s closed.
May – The founders of The Great Lost Bear sold the business to longtime managers Michael Dickson, Mary Dickson and Andrew Pillsbury. Amovie called City of Servers about the Portland restaurant industry premiered. The Infatuation has published an eating guide to “The Best Restaurants In Portland, Maine“. Bloomberg has published a pair of articles on where to eat and stay in Maine and Portland. The Maine Sunday Telegram told the story of 5 food trucks that were making the transition to becoming restaurants. StarChefs featured 10 Maine chefs and sommeliers as part of their On The Ground photo series. Harshore and Oxbow began work to expand into the former Maine Mead Works space. Bar Futo held an 8-course dinner in collaboration with chefs Tracy Chang, Christine Lau, Tim Ma, and Shuai Wang, Sang Lee, and Nikhil Naiker. The Friends of Woodfords Corner launched a new farmers’ market. Cherished Possessions announced plans to open a new restaurant in Allen’s Corner. Full Turn, Stroudwater Distilling and Timber closed.
June – The Quarry in Monson was the 2023 winner of the Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality, a fire took The Grill Room out of commission, Mark Law took over as the CEO of Rosemont Market, Cider Club Portland celebrated its 5th anniversary, Down East published an interview with Sam Hayward about his first cooking job which was on Appledore Island in 1974, Portland Wine Week took place, Bon Appetit included Rover in Biddeford and Rose Foods in Portland to their list of Very Best Bagels in the US outside of New York and the tristate area, Food & Wine has included Bite Into Maine in their list of America’s Best Lobster Rolls. Angoor shared plans to open a self-pour wine bar on Fore Street. Owl & Elm in Yarmouth, Khmer Kitchen, Volcano, Lecha, and the South Freeport Village Market opened.
July – Ajambo Africa has published an article about the Oga Suya mobile Nigerian barbecue business run by Young Francis and Rose Barboza, Vena’s decided not to proceed with opening their bar and retail shop, George + Leon’s, the South Portland outpost of Modestman Brewing, Night Moves, Quanto Basta, Twirl, Little Pig, Bite Into Maine, the Clam Bar, and Henry’s Public House opened.
August – Don Lindgren shut down the retail shop for Rabelais Books in Biddeford; the Western Hemisphere’s premier culinary bookshop will continue to operate online. Down East has published an interview with Lulu Ranta the chef/owner of The Quarry in Monson, Shahin Khojastehzad leased a spot at 52 Alder Street as a production space for his new company Handshake Digestif Bitters, LyAnna Sanabria on being named a semifinalist Best New Bartender by Punch. The Continental, Wander at Longwoods, Night Mares, and Lambs opened. Queenie’s Castle and Rick’s Lobby Cafe closed.
September – The New York Times included Tinder Hearth in Brooksville in their 2023 list of the 50 restaurants they’re “most excited about right now”. Travel and Leisure declared the Blue Hill peninsula “One of the Best Places to Eat in the U.S. Right Now“. The Maine Sunday Telegram published a feature article about Joshua Miranda. Harshore Distilling released word of their line of Shorebird bourbons. 7 Maine food industry professionals were included in StarChefs list of Rising Stars in the Costal New England region. An all-star line-up of female chefs from Maine collaborated on multi-course Fabulous Femmes dinner to benefit MOFGA and to highlight Maine women in farming. Wine Enthusiast included Vessel & Vine and Maine & Loire on their list of The Best Wine Shops of 2023. Allagash was named the Brewery/Brewer of the year at the Great American Beer Festival. Matcha Mood opened in Portland and Barber Brothers opened in South Portland. Steve and Michelle Corry shared plans to close Petite Jacqueline, and both The Danforth and The Maker’s Galley closed.
October – Chad Conley sold his stake in Ramona’s to his co-founder Josh Sobel. Papi beverage director LyAnna Sanabria is featured in a Wine Enthusiast article entitled 8 Hispanic Drinks Pros Making an Impact on the Spirits and Cocktail Scenes. The Maine Sunday Telegram publised a feature article on the fast growing Maine cider industry. The Prentice Hospitality Group purchased The Good Table in Cape Elizabeth. Cantina Calafia opened their takeout window while they continue the buildout of their restaurant, Rick Woods from the Rick’s Lobby Cafe found a new home at The Proper Cup. La Benedicion and Asia Eats opened in the Public Market House. When Pig’s Fly and Porttown opened and The Grill Room reopened after the fire that knocked them out of action earlier in the year. Botanically Curious shared their plans for a retail location on Congress Street. The Bar and Bites on Exchange Street closed as did the Bayside location of Banded Brewing, the Congress Street Coffee By Design location and the Other Side Deli on Veranda Street.
November –Punch named Room for Improvement to their list of the Best New Bars of 2023, The Maine Sunday Telegram published a feature article about Marilou Ranta the chef/owner of The Quarry in Monson, Maxim magazine has published a list of the 10 Best Places for Drinks in and around Portland, chef Joseph Robbins was invited to cook at the White House Tribal Nations Summit. Construction began at Mesa Grande Taqueria, at Jerome’s in the former Snug space, and at Argenta Brewing in Bayside. Orange Bike Brewing launched, Broadway Bowl and Thistle & Grouse opened. Radici, The Snug and Judy Gibson closed and the owners of Solo Cucina shared they’d put the market up for sale.
December – Big Tree Hospitality announced plans to relaunch their takeout restaurant XO Burger & Wings, Chocolats Passion won six medals from the 2023 Academy of Chocolate competition in London. Construction got underway for Bar Publica, Sacred Profane and Leisure Time Cocktails on Thompson’s Point. Nosh Tacos opened, Chocolats Passion opened their new West End chocolate shop, as did the bookstore cafe/bar Novel. Cabana, Citrus, and Taytene in South Portland closed.

Passings

David Geary, 78 – the co-founder of the DL Geary Brewing Company.
Christopher Godin, 58 – the owner of Granny’s Burritos.

Looking Back at 2023 and Forward to 2024

December 31, 2023 | Posted in Reviews, Under Construction

Today’s Maine Sunday Telegram includes a look at twelve bars and restaurants that are set to open next year.

But the batch of new restaurants coming in 2024 helps take the sting out of the losses and will enrich a drinking and dining scene that already feels like a treasure trove. We can look forward to big, bold bars going into Thompson’s Point and Bayside; new brewpubs and daytime cafes in Biddeford; old faves like Brea Lu relaunching in new Westbrook digs; fine dining in far-flung locales; and New York-style slices in the Old Port. If all goes according to plans, expect Cambodian express takeout, a chicken sandwich palace and a cheesesteak mecca.

It also includes restaurant critic Andrew Ross’s picks for the Best of 2023.

Yosaku Outdoor Seating

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 | Posted in Under Construction

Yosaku (website, facebook, instagram) is building a new outdoor seating structure. When it’s finished Yosaku plans to use the 50-seat post and beam structure to extend their outdoor seating season.

Yosaku was founded in 2003 by Takahiro and Susan Sato. They retired in 2022 and sold the restaurant to Rattanak Tray and Hope MacVane-Tray. Rattanak Tray had been a sushi chef at Yosaku since it opened for business.

Buttermilk Kitchen in Camden

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 | Posted in Under Construction, Maine

Chef Suzanne Vizethann (website, instagram) has purchased the Marriner’s Restaurant in Camden where she plans to open a new restaurant that blends elements of Marriner’s and her Atlanta restaurant Buttermilk Kitchen.

Marriner’s has been in business for 82 years and its been owned and operated since 1982 by Dan and Becki Gabriele. Vizethann will temporarily close Marriner’s in January for renovation with plans to re-open it as Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s (instagram) by the end of April.

Some of the Atlanta Buttermilk Kitchen staff will be visiting Maine in the spring to help with the launch. Brandon Muggy will be moving permanently from Atlanta to Maine to be the general manager.

Vizethann is the author of Welcome to Buttermilk Kitchen and founded Buttermilk Kitchen (instagram) in 2012. She was a James Beard Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow in 2022. She has appeared on Food Network shows Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. She’s also a Chopped champion. Her food has been described as having a “whimsical and modernistic approach to the typical American breakfast”.

Photo Credit: Suzanne Vizethann

Category: Under Construction