The Portland Phoenix has published an article about Novel Book & Bar, a new book-centered establishment under construction near Longfellow Square.

Whether you’re an avid reader or a bar scene enthusiast, there’s something for you in Portland.

At least, that’s how the owners of Novel Book & Bar, a soon-opening Congress Street joint, read the situation. Portland is home to plenty of great restaurants and bar scenes, but almost all cater directly to the food and drink. What’s missing is a more intellectual space to congregate where books are the focus.

Brea Lu Cafe (website, facebook, instagram) had planned to move from their current spot to 100 Larrabee Road, but that location fell through earlier this year. Owner Christian DeLuca has now leased a large space at 511 Main Street in Westbrook which he is building out into a new home for his popular breakfast and lunch spot.

DeLuca plans to launch with a menu that includes classic dishes served when Brea Lu was in its longtime home on Forest Ave in Portland. The new dining room will seat 100 people—up from 44 at their current location—and there will be seasonal outdoor seating as well. The kitchen will double in size, and DeLuca hopes to eventually add an in-house bakery. The cafe is also slated to have a private room for events and meetings that will seat 30+ people.

Construction on the site is already underway. DeLuca will be closing down Brea Lu on Cumberland Street on at the end of April and hopes to reopen at the Maine Street location in early June. Brea Lu will be expanding its hours to stay open until 2 pm, and will be available in the evenings for events, pop-ups, and for use by food trucks.

Logan Abbey the owner of the George’s North Shore food truck is taking over the current Brea Lu building where he plans to open a restaurant called George + Leon’s Famous Roast Beef.

Update: A fire broke out at the construction site and will likely delay the launch of the new cafe.

To get caught up on all the new restaurants under development visit our Under Construction List.

A new cafe called Cuppa Jo’s (instagram) is under construction at 305 Route 1 in Yarmouth. It’s located in the same building at Otto Pizza.

Owner Jo Miller plans to serve espresso-based and brewed coffee as well as teas from Marriage des Freres. as well as “pastries, sandwiches, soups and more!” Cuppa Jo’s will be roasting their own coffee.

Miller hopes to open Cuppa Jo’s on April 10th and be open 6 am to 2 pm daily.

Bissell Brothers Brewing (website, instagram) is expanding their footprint on Thompson’s Point. They’ve leased the former Rosemont market and wine bar space and are renovating it to provide additional kitchen capacity and dining space for customers.

The larger kitchen will enable the launch of an in-house bakery program to support the breads needed for their existing menu and to expand their food offerings. Co-owner Peter Bissell shared they are excited to explore the common yeast-driven fermentation space bread and beer both occupy. The new space will also enable the launch of a full service bar with some differentiated options in addition to their existing menu. A brass Lukr tap system is being installed at the bar.

The former Rosemont Market and Bar on Thompson’s Point opened in August 2021 and closed in January of this year.