Maine

Maine got only one bid on its latest 10-year liquor contract

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2024

Maine got only one bid on its latest 10-year liquor contract

Pine State Trading Co. has a large fleet of trucks that it uses to deliver spirits to the more than 640 agency liquor stores throughout the state. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal, 2014 file photo

When bidding closed on Maine’s new 10-year liquor contract, Pine State Trading Co.’s victory was all but inevitable.

Pine State, a Gardiner-based business that’s been family-owned since it launched in the 1940s, was the sole bidder on both the administration contract for the distribution of distilled spirits in Maine and a smaller trade marketing contract. It is anticipated to rake in nearly $200 million over the next decade.

With no competition, the state awarded Pine State a tentative contract and then spent months negotiating final terms in closed-door meetings.

It’s not clear how those negotiations went because the state agency that handles the contract would not discuss details. But experts in government contracting say that having just one bidder on any given proposal can disadvantage state agencies and increases the need for transparency.

Pine State CEO Nicholas Alberding had no way to know whether any other bidders would step up, but said he was unconcerned about being skipped over for the lucrative contract. After all, his company had handled the work for roughly a decade under the previous contract.

“I didn’t spend a lot of time worried about it. I mean, I’m not a worrier that way,” he said on a phone call Wednesday morning.

Alberding said he told his team to act as if there were several other competitive bids when formulating theirs, and argued that the fees Pine State will earn under the new contract “only came in a kick higher than the previous amount.”

The company is now entitled to 7.55% of the state’s spirits sales and what’s known as bailment revenue, which includes handling, storage and other fees – up from 7.2% for nine of the last 10 years. That’s just under a 5% increase in its share, which is itself dependent on liquor sales and other revenue.

Nicholas Alberding of Pine State Trading. Photo by Ronald C. Simons

Maine law requires the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, or BABLO, to contract out the operations of the state’s entire spirits business, meaning it can’t simply back away from a bad deal if there’s not another option on the table.

“It stops being very competitive, because now there’s nowhere to go,” said Jessica Tillipman, associate dean for government procurement law at George Washington University’s law school. “When you put all of your eggs in one basket, if they fail you fail.”

In such cases, some said, transparency in the contract procurement and negotiation process becomes even more important.

“Dealing with only a single bidder, contract negotiations are very important and must be transparent,” said Khi Thai, professor emeritus at Florida Atlantic University’s school of public administration.

Pine State’s previous contract was initially scheduled to expire at the end of June, but it was extended through November to give the company and state time to negotiate specific terms, BABLO spokesperson Sharon Huntley said in September. The contract was ultimately signed Nov. 26.

Huntley would not provide details about the contract negotiations while they were taking place or after they had concluded, including whether there were any sticking points. But she said negotiations spanned a typical amount of time for a contract of this size and complexity.

Huntley also repeatedly denied requests to interview BABLO Director Louis Luchini, who is the administrator of the new contract, and Kirsten Figueroa, commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, which oversees the bureau.

“The current model has proven a consistent, dependable revenue source for the state, which was able to pay down the debt service on the revenue bond issued to pay Maine’s hospital debt ahead of schedule early under the last contract period, and now dedicates spirits revenues to the Highway Fund,” Huntley said in a statement. She said the state earned more than $500 million in spirits and related revenue during the last 10 years.

Pine State made more than $120 million from the last decade-long contract, according to a review of the bureau’s annual reports.

The new contract is estimated to generate nearly $19 million for Pine State each year. But that figure, based on fiscal year 2024, could prove higher if revenue continues to grow.

NO OTHER BIDDERS?

Alberding said he could not speak to why other companies did not bid on the contract, but he noted the complexity of the contract and the high benchmarks for fulfillment, including being available for twice-weekly deliveries across the entire state and having a warehouse within 30 miles of BABLO’s headquarters in Augusta.

“I would suspect that others looked at it … and chose that it wasn’t a good strategy for them,” Alberding said. “It’s an overwhelming task. You’ve got to be able to do this economically, and it’s got to work.”

Alberding said his company has more than 50 trucks on the road on a given day, setting a difficult standard for any newcomer to match. They use that fleet to deliver bottles to Maine’s more than 640 agency liquor stores – retailers approved by the state to sell distilled spirits, which include liquor stores, gas stations and grocers. The contract does not cover beer and wine.

David Canarie, adjunct professor of business law at the University of Southern Maine and a member of the University of Maine School of Law’s compliance program faculty, said that depending on the industry, having just one provider who can fulfill a contract’s requirements “may just be a fact of life.”

“It’s not inherently a problem,” Canarie said. “So long as we end up through the (request for proposal) process, and the contracting process and oversight process with a contract that works. … But a lot of that involves constant oversight of that contract.”

Under the new contract, Pine State is required to maintain regular communication with BABLO that includes sending monthly tax collection reports and providing the bureau access to its inventory control system. The contract also provides minimum benchmarks for revenue growth that Pine State must achieve, which are reset annually and can trigger amendments to the agreement if missed two years in a row.

“You want to make sure that the person who’s overseeing it from the state has the experience, and the time, and the authority within the state to oversee the relationship in a meaningful way,” Canarie said.

In this case, that person is BABLO director Luchini, who joined the bureau this year – after bidding on the latest contract closed but before negotiations concluded – following a stint as the Small Business Administration’s New England regional advocate and more than a decade in the Maine Legislature.

Pine State Trading Co. has a large fleet of trucks it uses to deliver spirits to the more than 640 agency liquor stores throughout the state. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal, file

Luchini was not available for an interview, Huntley said.

Alberding said BABLO is run by “smart people,” and his company has always had a strong relationship with the bureau’s leadership.

Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, chaired the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which oversees the bureau, and has previously criticized BABLO for a lack of transparency in its pricing structures. Hickman declined to speak about its procurement process or its transparency when contacted last week.

Hickman said Pine State is among the state’s strongest contracted partners. He said the company, which is based in his district, employees many of his constituents and seems to treat its workers well while fulfilling its obligations to Maine.

“They go above and beyond. They just have a good reputation. I’ve never heard a bad thing about them,” Hickman said. “I think they have helped the state make money.”

Indeed, the state’s previous contract with Pine State proved much more lucrative than its predecessor.

From 2004-14, when the Maine Beverage Company oversaw spirits distribution, the state made $189 million in revenue, Huntley said.

“By comparison, the 2014-2024 contract exceeded that amount after just the first four years, and through Year 9 of the contract had generated $502 million for the state of Maine,” Huntley said in an email.

WANING COMPETITION

More than a decade ago, when the 2014-24 request for proposals was released, two companies put down bids for the administrative contract: Pine State and a now-defunct entity called All Maine Spirits LLC.

David E. Warren, an attorney listed as All Maine Spirits’ registered agent, said the company dissolved after it was passed over for the contract. Warren said he could not recall the full details of the business plan, as “we never got to that stage.”

Warren said he worked with two principal investors to craft the bid, but both died since then.

On the second 2014 contract, which included trade marketing rights, Pine State was up against two competing bids: one from the since-renamed Dirigo Spirit Company and another from marketing group CD+M Communications.

Ford Reiche, the registered agent of Dirigo Spirit, now known as Reiche Company, LLC, declined to speak on the record for this story.

Duncan Stout, president of CD+M, said that after his company lost its bid for the trade marketing side of the 2014 contract, they partnered with Pine State to help produce marketing materials for the first few years of that contract.

Stout believes Pine State’s sweeping network of trucks, warehouses and laborers won them the 2014 contract.

“I don’t know if there’s anybody else in the state of Maine who has that kind of infrastructure,” Stout said.

But Stout said the two companies parted ways on mutual terms a few years ago.

“We were unhappy to lose our relationship with Pine State. It had to do more with personalities, it had to do more with expectations,” Stout said, though he declined to say what precise issues came up.

Alberding did not not return a phone call asking for details on his company’s relationship with CD+M.

When the state initially put out its requests for proposals late last year, it offered two contracts: one for administration, which includes warehousing and distribution, and another for trade marketing. But since Pine State was the only company to bid on either project, the two contracts were consolidated into one for 2024-34.

Tillipman, the GW Law associate dean, said that consolidation can improve the efficiency of certain government contracts, but she cautioned that over-consolidation can stifle competition by discouraging companies that may be able to perform only some of the work from applying.

Consolidated contracts are relatively rarely split apart later, she said.

“It’s easier for people to do what they’ve always done. There’s kind of this inertia that comes with the procurement process,” Tillipman said. “Once it goes a certain way it tends to be that way.”

Still, it’s far too early to tell how the next decade will play out or how the state will approach procuring the 2034 liquor contract.

When asked how the state aims to keep the procurement process competitive, and whether the state has any plans to try and attract new bidders, Huntley said the “spirits landscape is likely to change significantly over the course of the next 10 years.”

“Prior to the expiration of this contract, BABLO will aim to keep the process competitive by adjusting to industry shifts, consumer expectations, and the state’s interests,” she said.

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Maine

Maine Trash Kings turns clutter into cash across Searsport

Published

12 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Maine Trash Kings turns clutter into cash across Searsport

SEARSPORT, Maine (WABI) – A new Searsport business sees other people’s trash as an opportunity.

Maine Trash Kings got its start at the beginning of April, and with spring cleaning underway, the founders say the business is booming.

“It’s been really good, we started at the beginning of this month, and we just started posting around on Facebook ads and word of mouth. It’s gone really good, just kind of blown up from there,” Alex Dakin, co-founder of Maine Trash Kings, said.

Maine Trash Kings is run by two Searsport High School students. They both say they’ve had to learn how to balance time quickly.

“When we don’t have jobs or something like that, after schools, I get an hour, two hours to myself, but then, I got to post ads. I got to, look at finances, go over that, fix the trailer, work on the trailer and stuff like that,” Isaac Traves, co-founder of Maine Trash Kings, said.

“It can be stressful at times, but you just got to look at the bigger picture and know that all the work you’re putting in now is just going to pay off in the future,” Dakin said.

Traves said he wants to go to college for business in the future. The junior in high school said the business has given him a head start on finances.

“Sometimes there are instances where we have to spend money to make money, and it is scary at first. Some people think oh, I’m going to spend money, that means that I’m going to lose all of that. I’m not going to make that money back. No, it’s not really how it works. You have to spend money to make money, to be honest,” Traves said.

Traves and Dakin’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Derek Ginn is a teacher at Searsport Middle School. Ginn said the boys came to him and asked if he could help them get the business started.

“It’s really great to see kids who, 16, 17, starting life not knowing exactly what they want to do, to see, hey, maybe I want to start a business. Let me see if I can fail. Let me see if I can succeed. Let’s see what’s out there,” Ginn said. “These guys did that all on their own. I’m not saying, you guys should go start this business. You guys should go start this business. No, they came to me and are like, hey, how do I do this? And that’s incredible to see for kids their age.”

Ginn said the boys also help him with his students. They serve as mentors to the younger students in the school. Ginn said that’s how he got to know Traves and Dakin.

The young business owners said they are giving the business everything they’ve got. So far, they say they love the work.

“I like working and I actually quit my job to do this full-time now, so I mean, just putting all my effort into this and seeing it grow is just, I love it,” Dakin said.

Maine Trash Kings serves Searsport and surrounding areas.

They give quotes via their Facebook page or by calling 207-323-6984 for junk removal.

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Maine

A top issue in Maine and Oklahoma governors’ races? Tribal sovereignty. – ICT

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

A top issue in Maine and Oklahoma governors’ races? Tribal sovereignty. – ICT

This story is part one of a two-part story on gubernatorial races to watch in the 2026 midterm elections as part of the #NativeVote26.

Pauly Denetclaw
ICT

Two of the 39 states with gubernatorial races have tribal sovereignty at the top of their policy agendas: Oklahoma and Maine. The two states where tribal nations have had friction with their state governments. Now Native voters in both states will be electing a new governor, and the results will impact the relationship between tribal governments and the state for the next four years.

Wabanaki Nations in Maine had a challenging time getting state legislation signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills, Democrat, that would strengthen tribal sovereignty. The 38 tribes in Oklahoma had a tumultuous relationship with Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Eighteen of the 39 governor races in 2026 will have incumbent candidates, according to the National Governors Association. Stitt is the 2025-2026 chair of the association.

What’s happening in Oklahoma?

Over the past seven years, tribal nations and the state of Oklahoma had a contentious relationship — especially after the McGirt decision. Current governor, Stitt, who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, has been outspoken against the McGirt decision, tribal compacts for tobacco and car tags, and tribal gaming compacts.

Tribal-state compacts are legal agreements between federally recognized tribes and state governments. It is most commonly used for class III gaming — slot machines and table games.

“There was a time and a day when we used to compact with the tribes. That is not a unique thing across the nation. It wasn’t a unique thing in Oklahoma,” Chip Keating said during an April 6 candidates forum. “We absolutely have to hit the full reset button with the tribes — work together, treat them with the respect that they should have been treated with, and we’ve got to get back to compacting.”

Tribal leaders are looking forward to new state leadership, said Michael Stopp, president and chief executive officer of SevenStar Holdings.

“It’s good for the tribes and the tribal leaders are happy about it,” said Stopp, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. “It has very much been a sticking point with tribal leaders that Governor Stitt has a very different perspective on sovereignty and what role the tribes play in this state. Obviously, we’ve had some big changes with the reservation status here because of the McGirt decision in 2020, but Governor Stitt, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been more of an antagonist when it comes to that, than trying to help with the transition. I can definitely say the tribal leaders are looking for leadership change.”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin called Stitt the most anti-Indian governor in the state’s history. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond described Stitt as having a “penchant of racism against tribes,” during an April candidates forum. He added that it was unacceptable.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is pictured during an interview in his office Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon and Parole has recommended clemency for death row inmate James Coddington. Stitt said that he hasn’t been formally briefed on Coddington’s case, but that with any clemency recommendation, he meets with prosecutors, defense attorneys and the victim’s family before making a decision. (AP Photo, Sue Ogrocki) Credit: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is pictured during an interview in his office Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon and Parole has recommended clemency for death row inmate James Coddington. Stitt said that he hasn’t been formally briefed on Coddington’s case, but that with any clemency recommendation, he meets with prosecutors, defense attorneys and the victim’s family before making a decision. (AP Photo, Sue Ogrocki)

Tribal nations and state governments have to work together often. As seen in Oklahoma, Stitt vetoed several tribal compacts, despite overwhelming support by the state’s legislature, and this slowed the process for establishing the tobacco, car tag and gaming compacts between Oklahoma and tribal nations.

“Governor Stitt came in thinking that he could renegotiate this contract, and quite frankly, it just doesn’t work that way. Instead of listening and coming to the negotiating table, (Stitt) tried to come in with a really strong stance and ended up losing, honestly,” Stopp said. “I think that was unfortunate for him and for the tribes. Again, missing out on the chance of negotiating and I think the tribal leaders are definitely looking forward to having someone on the other side of the table to negotiate with.”

Oklahoma governor candidates

There are nine Republican candidates on the ballot for Oklahoma’s primary election set for June 16:

Gentner Drummond: 20th Attorney General for Oklahoma
Chip Keating: Former highway trooper and former Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety
Mike Mazzei: Former Oklahoma state Senator and former Secretary of Budget
Charles McCall: Longest-serving Speaker of the House in Oklahoma history
Jake Merrick: Local radio host and former Oklahoma state Senator
Kenneth Sturgell: Local, small business owner
Leisa Mitchell Haynes: Former marketing director and former city manager
Calup Anthony Taylor
Jennifer Domenico-Tillett

Three Democratic gubernatorial candidates are also running for the primary election:

Cyndi Munson: Oklahoma House Minority leader
Connie Johnson: Former Oklahoma state Senator
Arya

Candidates will have to get more than 50 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff. If there is no outright winner, the top two candidates for each political party will head to a primary runoff election on August 25.

An additional three Independent candidates will automatically head to the general election this November.

Two important issues this election in Oklahoma are tribal sovereignty and a commitment to working with tribes.

During an April 6 Republican candidates forum, Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall, Chip Keating and Mike Mazzei, were asked to raise their hand if they shared Stitt’s perspective on the McGirt decision. Stitt was quoted as saying that the McGirt decision has torn Oklahoma apart and has created two justice systems based on race. None of the four candidates raised their hand.

“For three and a half years I’ve been working with every tribal leader in the state of Oklahoma, and I recognize them as unique among themselves, just like France is different from Germany,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said during a candidates forum. “We have to honor and respect the culture of diversity that they bring to the table and the needs that they have. We have been working with tribal law enforcement each of the last three years to take the fight to organize crime in our rural communities. They are a great partner.”

All four candidates promised their administration would work with tribal nations and negotiate tribal compacts.

Mazzei said at two different candidate forums that he would be a strong negotiator with tribal nations.

In a recent interview with KOCO 5 News, local small business owner Kenneth Sturgell said tribal nations are their neighbors and should be treated as such. He also said that the state and tribal nations have to work together.

Jake Merrick, local radio host and former Oklahoma state Senator, was pleased that the state Supreme Court affirmed tribal nations’ right to hunt on their own lands, during a March 30 candidates forum.

Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma House Minority leader, said in a recent press release that her caucus supports tribes.

“The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus supports tribal sovereignty and acknowledges that our tribes fill important gaps in our education and healthcare systems, as well as other areas throughout our state,” Munson said. “I am extremely grateful for the work our tribes have done and continue to do despite vicious attacks on them by the Governor.”

A respectful working relationship between tribal nations and the state has shifted significantly since the last gubernatorial race in 2022.

“I think every one of them [Oklahoma governor candidates] has said something about it,” Stopp said. “[It’s] different than four years ago. It was an issue in the governor’s race, but it wasn’t a good issue. Here everyone’s saying yes, we want to change the tone and start the conversation differently. So I think as far as Indian voters go, that conversation is going to change regardless of who wins.”

Dawnland

In Maine, Gov. Mills repeatedly refused to sign a law that would strengthen tribal jurisdiction and recognize Wabanaki Nations right to access federal Indian laws. She vetoed the bill twice despite overwhelming support from state legislators.

“We’ve had multiple opportunities to send [legislation] to the governor’s desk and not just party line votes,” said Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and former Penobscot ambassador. “We generally have Democratic support, but we have gotten Republicans voting on these issues too. So, the governor has seen some great bipartisan work reach her desk and has still decided to veto some of these efforts.”

In order for tribes to access federal Indian laws, the state has to approve it. The Wabanaki Alliance, created to educate the people of Maine about tribal sovereignty, has been working diligently to amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980.

Through the settlement, tribal nations ceded land in exchange for $81.5 million. However, it also drastically limited tribal sovereignty, and brought tribes under the jurisdiction of the state. Tribal nations that predate the state, are subjected to state jurisdiction and treated more like municipalities. The act was meant to be a living document but the state resisted changes for decades.

The Wabanaki Alliance has been able to increase tribal sovereignty and self-governance one legislation or amendment at a time. Throughout her two-terms, Mills has resisted a complete overhaul of the 1980 act and this created tension between the governor and tribal nations.

“If we had a governor that came in and fully embraced the inherent rights and inherent sovereignty of our people, and fully recognized that, it would strengthen our communities and it would also uplift the entire state of Maine,” said Bryant, who is Penobscot. “Our tribal communities are near rural places that could really use economic opportunities and could really use tribal businesses that are able to grow without all of these bureaucratic restrictions. We really are coming from a place of friendliness and we want to be good neighbors and we want to uplift the communities around us.”

The Wabanaki Alliance held a gubernatorial candidates forum in March where nine governor candidates participated:

Shenna Bellows, Democrat
Rick Bennett, Independent
John Glowa, Independent
Troy Jackson, Democrat
Derek Levasseur, Independent
Hannah Pingree, Democrat
Nirav Shah, Democrat
Angus King III, Democrat

None of the eight Republican candidates participated.

Most of the gubernatorial candidates generally supported increasing tribal sovereignty, recognizing inherent rights and working with tribal nations. Angus King III said he wasn’t educated on the topic enough to make any commitments and would have to look into it. This sentiment was shared by John Glowa and Derek Levasseur.

Hannah Pingree, Rick Bennett, Shenna Bellows and Troy Jackson firmly supported tribal sovereignty for Wabanaki Nations.

“If a governor comes in, and isn’t afraid of recognizing tribal sovereignty and sees it as an opportunity, I think we could see some real progress for everyone,” Bryant said.

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Maine

The 10 Most Popular Restaurants in Portland, Maine, Back in 1996

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

The 10 Most Popular Restaurants in Portland, Maine, Back in 1996

It seems commonplace now that people visit Portland, Maine, for the food.

Portland is home to a mix of classic and new restaurants that people travel long distances to experience.

But that wasn’t always the case. Looking back 30 years ago, Portland, Maine, was home to delicious restaurants that were not home to many frills or fanfare.

Some of those restaurants are still rolling along today, others failed to move forward.

Here’s a look at the 10 most popular restaurants in Portland, Maine back in 1996.

Back Bay Grill

Officially opening its doors in 1988, the Back Bay Grill quickly became one of the places for fine dining in Portland, Maine.

In 1996, it was one of only a handful of restaurants within the city that would be considered upscale.

The Back Bay Grill ended its lengthy run when it closed permanently in 2022.

Becky’s Diner

Opening in Portland’s waterfront in 1991, it didn’t take long before Becky’s Diner was a regular part of the working waterfront’s routine.

As the working waterfront began diminishing, Becky’s has managed to transform itself into a place locals still enjoy while simultaneously serving as a tourist destination.

35 years later and Becky’s is still going strong.

Granny’s Burritos

Opening in 1995, Granny’s Burritos has taken on an almost mythical presence for that fondly remember it.

Granny’s called several different spots around time home over the years but remains fondly remembered for its stellar nachos and signature burritos.

The last iteration of Granny’s Burritos officially closed in 2017.

Fore Street

Officially opening in 1996, Fore Street is widely considered the restaurant that took Portland, Maine, and put it on the map for food.

Almost from the day it opened, Fore Street became a cornerstone to fine dining in the city and laid the groundwork for many other upscale restaurants to follow.

Fore Street still remains one of the most popular restaurants in Portland, Maine, 30 years after it initially opened.

Squire Morgan’s

Now home to Cutie’s, the corner of Market and Milk streets was once home to one of Portland’s most popular pubs called Squire Morgan’s.

Squire Morgan’s had a fantastic run in the city through the 80’s and early-90’s before a fire burned the restaurant in 1996.

Squire Morgan’s rebuilt but it was never the same and closed permanently in 1998.

DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant

There is something unique and elegant about dining aboard a floating restaurant. That has been the draw for DiMillo’s since it opened in 1982.

Like Back Bay Grill, DiMillo’s was one of a handful of restaurants in Portland during the mid-90’s where people could visit and receive upscale service and dining.

Despite the restaurant scene changing drastically around it, DiMillo’s remains a destination restaurant for many visiting Portland.

Silly’s

Even amongst a slew of restaurants serving pub grub and classic New England fare, Silly’s always stood out.

It was a quirky spot with a eclectic menu that people consistently flocked to, especially on the weekends. It became a staple in the city throughout the 90’s.

Silly’s had a couple of starts and stops in Portland in more recent times before finally reestablishing itself in Standish.

The Sportsman’s Grill

Opened in 1952, the Sportsman’s Grill on Congress Street was a staple of dining in Portland, Maine, for decades.

The restaurant was sports themed as the name would suggest and evolved over the years to draw in sports fan and casual diners.

1996 proved to be one of the final years for the Sportsman’s Grill as it closed permanently in 1997.

The Great Lost Bear

Originally known as Grizzly Bear, the Great Lost Bear got a name change in 1981 and really grasped a rapid fanbase throughout the 80’s.

The Great Lost Bear has always been known for its large menu and larger portions and was one of the first spots in town to fully embrace craft beer and champion it.

The Great Lost Bear remains a favorite for many as it approaches its 50-year anniversary.

Walter’s

Originally opening its doors in 1990, some credit Walter’s as a stepping stone restaurant to what most see throughout Portland today.

It was a cornerstone upscale restaurant throughout the 90’s and eventually sold in 2004.

Walter’s moved from its original location at 15 Exchange Street to 2 Portland Square in 2009 and operated there for years before closing permanently in 2019.