New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:
- A new indoor dog park and bar call The Barkery (web, facebook, instagram) is under construction in South Portland. For their two-legged customers owners Nate and Haley Viens plan to serve elevated comfort food like gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, salads, and seafood dishes like haddock tacos and lobster mac & cheese. The drinks menu will feature a rotating selection of local craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. The space will both a dedicated restaurant area and a separate space viewable through a glass wall of an off-leash drink-friendly indoor dog park and an on-leash dining area. The Barkery will be located in Knightville at 180 Waterman Drive in South Portland.
- The Bangor Daily News reports that a shaved ice food truck will be launching a brick and mortar location in May. Sawyer’s Shave Ice (web, facebook, instagram) expects to open on May 17 and will be located at 173 Park Street in Bangor in the space formerly occupied by Wicked Brew. They’ll be open noon – 8 pm.
- Stone Fox Farm Creamery (website, facebook, instagram) in Searsport is under new ownership. Stephen Simonds has taken over stewardship of the company from founders Bruce and Kathy Chamberlain who launched the ice cream company in 2009. Stone Fox is located at 398 East Main Street and will open for the season on weekends in late April before transitioning to a full-time schedule in May. Simonds grew up in Maine and now operates two inns in Portland. He shared, “I’m honored and thrilled to take the helm at Stone Fox Farm Creamery and continue its tradition of making the best ice cream from Maine dairy. What started as a small, homegrown business has become a Maine summer staple. I look forward to serving our loyal Mid-Coast customers while also bringing our incredible flavors to new audiences in Southern Maine.”
- The Midcoast Villager published a story about MacLeod’s in Bucksport which recently closed up after 45 years in business. “On April 1, MacLeod’s Restaurant in Bucksport closed after 45 years in business. Owners George and Katherine MacLeod spent those years feeding a widespread community, and the owner is hoping to find fresh faces to take up the charge.”
- The Oak Table and Bar in Augusta has launched a taco menu under the name Taco Rico. The tacos are available as takeout from the restaurant and can be ordered online.
- NPR’s Morning Edition aired a story about Community Plate, a Maine organization that builds community through shared potluck meals and story telling.
- Oak & Ember in Buxton has closed.
For a statewide guide to eating and drinking see the Maine Food Map—a growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, plus other food and dining businesses in all of Maine’s 16 counties.