Model T Coffee Now Open

| Posted in Openings

The Model T Coffee Company (facebook, instagram) opened for business today. They’re located at 620 Congress Street in the former Coffee by Design space opposite the State Theater. They’ll be open daily 6 am – 3 pm.

Matthew and Stephanie Morgan and their family will be serving Coffee by Design coffee, donuts from Tony’s Donuts as well as baked goods from some other local producers. The Morgans also operate the Bru-Thru Coffee Shack (facebook, instagram), a drive through coffee shop in Cumberland.

Sissle and Daughters

| Posted in Under Construction

Mary and Will Sissle, the owners of The Cheese Shop on Washington Ave, have shared plans to open a new business called Sissle and Daughters (instagram).

Expect espresso drinks, wine & light fare in the café, and the same great retail offerings you find at The Cheese Shop with the addition of take-and-heat prepared meals made from those same quality ingredients in the market. So stop to see us on your way to work for a cappuccino & a bite, then in the afternoon for a glass of wine, and grab everything you need for a delicious dinner at home while you’re at it.

The all-day cafe, wine bar and market will be located in the former garage at 634 Forest Ave in Woodfords Corner. They hope to open Sissle and Daughters this fall.

Top 10: Maine Day Ventures

| Posted in Reviews

Maine Day Ventures has been named to their list of the 10 Best Food Tours in America by USA Today.

Explore traditional seafood standards and gourmet bites along with craft breweries and artisanal distillers on this collection of tours with Maine Day Ventures. “Savor & Saunter Portland’s East End” is a tour featuring kale handrolls, kombucha, and more, or go traditional and learn about lobsters on an “Old Port Seafood Lovers'” tour. One of their several options is sure to get you salivating, including the “Doggy & Me” tour for you and your pups.

Interview with Danielle Camarata

| Posted in People

Mainebiz has published an interview with Danielle Camarata, an owner of B + B Bakery. The business recently moved to Cape Elizabeth from Fore Street in Portland.

MB: Why Cape Elizabeth?
DC: Our Portland location was good for visibility, but we didn’t have great parking for pick-ups and looked around at what our options were for moving. We knew our lease was coming up there, so we opted for Cape Elizabeth for the convenience. It’s still close enough to Portland, and there’s great parking and it’s convenient for employees. We live in Cape Elizabeth, too.

Magissa Opening in May

| Posted in Openings

Magissa (instagram), the new Greek restaurant under construction in East Bayside, is making good progress towards an opening day. Owners Nancy Klosteridis and Emily Otero have completed a renovation of the former Baharat/Full Turn space at the corner of Anderson and Fox Streets and hope to open by the end of May.

Magissa will initially be open 11 am – 10 pm, Thursday through Monday serving a menu (see below) of contemporary renditions of traditional Greek dishes with mezze, small plates, entrees and flexible gyro and salad options. Across the board the menu taps into the Klosteridis’ family recipes and taste memories as a guide. The bar program will include Greek-inspired cocktails, draft wines by the glass/carafe,  a bottle list and draft beer.

The layout of Magissa is similar to Baharat with a central bar, dining room to the right. The bar itself has been moved further back freeing up room in the front of the restaurant, and a banquet seating area (see above) has been built into the back of the dining area. The kitchen has been expanded and reorganized for a more efficient workflow.

Follow the Magissa instagram account to stay up to date on the restaurant and their opening plans.

3 Good Food Award Winners from Maine

| Posted in Reviews

The Good Food Foundation announced the winners of their 2024 awards program last night. Of the 8 finalists from Maine, three were named as award winners:

  • Coffee by Design for their Costa Rica Danilo Salazar Finca San Cristobal Natural coffee
  • Maine Beer Co. for their Woods & Waters beer
  • Speckled Ax for two of their coffees – Costa Rica La Guaca Natural and Guatemala La Bonita

You can see the full list of award winners on the Good Food Foundation website.

Thames Landing

| Posted in Under Construction

Mark and Renae Roy have leased the former Helm space on Thames Street where they plan to open a new restaurant called Thames Landing. They shared part of their vision for the restaurant,

Thames Landing brings you solidly good food in an airy and beautiful modern atmosphere. The restaurant will offer classic New England fare—satisfying portions centered around seafood, local meat, and seasonal vegetables—served with contemporary flair and warm hospitality. We aim to be your new go-to, for after work drinks with a co-worker, a meltdown-free lunch with the kids, a spontaneous date night, or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends.

Their plans included an expanded outdoor seating area and they hope to have the restaurant open this summer.

The Roys are the owners of Navis Cafe which they opened on August 14, 2020. Helm launched in early 2021 and went out of business just last month.

CBD Signs Union Contract

| Posted in General News

Maine Public reports that Coffee by Design has signed an agreement with a union of their baristas.

The contract signed this week secures a wage increase and establishes a labor-management committee between Coffee By Design and its workers. The mutual agreement is for one year, which Sheldman said will allow both parties to continue crafting a long-term agreement.