If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whatever happened to the former Smitty’s Cinema in Biddeford’s Five Points shopping center, wonder no more.
The 140,000-square-foot space is now home to Bounce Pickle and Play – where Country Club meets Sports Bar — or so says their marketing slogan.
On Thursday, the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting event to officially welcome the new business.
Bounce Pickle and Play, Maine’s newest indoor recreation facility, is now open in Biddeford (Courtesy photo)
Beyond three golf simulator lounges and six pickle ball courts, the business is also home to Match Point Kitchen, a full-service sports bar and restaurant.
According to Richard Evans, managing partner of Quest Fitness, Bounce Pickle and Play first opened near the end of June. Prior to becoming an indoor sports complex, the space sat vacant for more than five years since Smitty’s closed during the height of the Covid pandemic.
The sports bar has a somewhat upscale, but relaxed feel, offering 30 TVs and a menu “full of flavor-packed crowd-pleaser” entrees, appetizers; and “zero “judgment if you stop by just for the fries.”
Unlike other golf simulator facilities, Bounce Pickle and Play offers private rooms with seating for guests and high-top tables where players can lounge with full service from both the bar and kitchen.
Match Point Kitchen offers full bar service, kitchen and 30 TVs to watch your favorite games. (Courtesy photo)
During our tour of the facility, Adam Labrie of Arundel stopped by with a friend and his golf clubs.
“I’ve been to other places, but none of them offer the privacy like this place,” he said.
Evans points out that each of the golf simulators can offer a wide range of well-known golf courses from around the country. Players cannot only choose to play 18 holes at Pebble Beach; they can also adjust the weather and time of day.
Looking to step up your game? Bounce Pickle and Play also offers pickleball and golf lessons and private event opportunities.
The facility also offers a “multi-ball game-room” for kids that integrates physical activity with “full wall computer games.”
Bounce Pickle and Play is open seven days a week and does accept reservations for court times. The facility is open Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 9 p.m. and Fridays, from 3 to 9.p.m.; and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce announced Saturday that Alex MacPhail has been named as the agency’s executive director.
MacPhail, the husband of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, is well known in the Biddeford–Saco region.
According to a press release, MacPhail brings “strong connections with local businesses, community partners, and municipal offices. His familiarity with the Chamber’s systems, communication platforms, and member network gives him a strong starting point as he steps into this role.”
Alex MacPhail
MacPhail will be responsible for managing all day-to-day Chamber operations, including member services, communications, event planning and coordination and community outreach
“Because he already understands the organization and the community, Alex will be able to begin working immediately without a lengthy transition period,” reads the Chamber’s press release. “The Chamber looks forward to this new chapter and is confident in the steady leadership Alex will bring to the role.”
If you’re looking for a friendly, relaxed place to watch the Patriots game; or if you just want to gather with some of your friends and enjoy a wide array of pub-style food, search no more because Champion’s Sports Bar in Biddeford is the place to be.
Champions was first opened in Saco in 1993. Seven years later, the popular tavern moved to its current location on Thornton Street in Biddeford.
Manager Carly McDermott has worked at Champions for 17 years, and says the tavern has a big base of regular customers who would drive through a building to get to their favorite sports bar.
Manager Carly McDermott says Champions offers something for everyone. (Seaver photo)
“It’s our die-hard regulars who have kept us alive over the last few months,” McDermott said, pointing to the ongoing sewer upgrade project on Elm Street.
“We’ve definitely taken a big hit since that project started,” she said.
McDermott says regular Champions customers are “tight-knit,” and enjoy the tavern’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Despite its name, Champions is not just a sports bar, McDermott explains. The tavern is also one of the area’s most well-known destinations for karaoke singing on Sunday through Thursday nights.
Trivia contests are featured on Sundays and Thursdays and live musical performances take place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. McDermott says Champions has the best sound system in the area.
Feeling hungry? Champions is ready to help — offering a menu of affordable appetizers and entrees, including their famous chicken wings and hand-made, half-pound burgers that are made fresh to order.
The wings come in a variety of flavors, but the big news is that they are half-priced on Monday evening. Champions also serves “stone-baked” pizzas, wraps and sandwiches.
Champions offers ample parking and is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday; and between noon and 1 a.m. on Sundays during football season.
So, if you want to relax in a fun and friendly environment, Champions is the place for you.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Members of the Southern Maine Boys & Girls Club got a special surprise on Wednesday when they were presented with a new passenger van to support the many programs the Club offers to area youth.
The van was donated by Bridgestone Retail Operations as part of an ongoing celebration to mark the opening of the company’s first Firestone Complete Auto Care store in Maine, located on the Alfred Road in Biddeford.
Community members, Bridgestone/Firestone officials and representatives from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine celebrate the donation of a new passenger van. (Courtesy photo)
Company officials said the new van will provide Club kids with transportation to and from their clubhouses and other enrichment activities, addressing one of the biggest hurdles families face and giving more kids and teens access to high-impact, out-of-school programming.
The donation is part of the Bridgestone Driving Great Futures initiative, which has raised nearly $30 million to help kids and teens gain access to Boys & Girls Club resources across the United States since 2015.
The company’s partnership is currently celebrating 10 years of impact with major donations, special giving campaigns and unique engagement opportunities for Club kids throughout the remainder of the year.
Speakers at the event included Brian C. Elowe, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine and Patrick Cassella, region manager of Bridgestone Retail Operations.
According to their website, the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine includes five Club locations serving Greater Portland and the Lewiston/Auburn area.
Kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine check out their new passenger van (Courtesy photo)
The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine was founded in 1909 and has nearly 2,000 members between the ages of six and 18 attending the clubs each year.
The organization’s staff works to ensure that “the Clubs are safe places for our members to learn, grow and have fun.”
Among other programs and services, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine prioritize Club members’ academic success by providing after school and summer programs to elementary, middle and high school students.
“We work to ensure Club members stay on track to graduate from high school and leave our Clubs with a plan for their future,” reads their website. “Our programs include homework help, tutoring, STEM programs, coding, and career and college exploration and preparation.”
Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY!
Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back to simpler times. Rift Arcade features 40 coin-operated games from pinball to Pac-Man and everything in between with the mission to be an inclusive, affordable, and safe space for all ages.
Bowling on Main Street at The Gutter in Biddeford (Main Street Maine photo)
While you try to best the top scores, enjoy a curated cocktail from the full-service bar or elevated 1990s-inspired grub. If you’re passionate about arcade games and supporting a local business, you can buy into Rift’s NuMarket Campaign and get 120 percent back in credits to redeem (buy-in for $100, get $120 credits).
The Gutter takes a bigger step back in history, turning the first level of the historic Marble Block Building into a mid-century modern delight with wooden paneling, stained glass pendant lights over the bar, and eight classic 10-pin bowling lanes. The full-service bar and kitchen makes it a great place to strike up some fun.
Interested in catching some live entertainment, there are several well established businesses with a weekly roster for you to choose from. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Rumors are true.
Upstairs from Mulligan’s, Rumors offers live shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of musical genres. If you’re looking for a laugh, The Comedy Mill might be more your speed. Also located at Mulligan’s, The Comedy Mill hosts open-mic nights for local standups to take a spin at getting laughs, but has also hosted events for nationally-known comics like Connor McGrath.
Just around the corner, Champions Sports Bar offers a little bit of everything for entertainment, including karaoke, trivia, DJ dance parties, and live local music. It’s also a great place to catch your favorite New England teams on the big screens or the flat screens.
While you’re distracted by the wide selection of books at Elements waiting for your morning cup to be poured, you may have missed that they host live local music every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as social events Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. These curated events foster community while you sip a barista crafted beverage or a selection from the beer and wine list. Other businesses in town offering live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, include Cowbell, Lucky Pigeon Brewing Co., Banded Brewing, and Sacred Profane.
Tour the Riverwalk in Biddeford (City of Biddeford photo)
For those rainy, cold, or snowy days, however, head to The playLOT with your littles. In addition to several structured events throughout the week, this indoor playground offers endless fun and a place for parents to connect. Another great option for bigger littles is Mill Studio Arts. Miss Amy has curated an array of lessons and camps great for the creative kids and teens, with some workshops for the whole family and some just for adults too.
Another great place to explore is McArthur Library, which offers more than books for all ages. The wonderful librarians have curated daily events like educational workshops and book clubs to family-friendly activities and cultural programs. And if you have a library card, you can borrow more than books; check out digital books and audiobooks via Cloud Library and Hoopla, magazines, movies, music, comics, video games, and recreational equipment like fishing poles, snowshoes, lawn games, a telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots and more.
If learning about the city is more your speed, there are a few tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour features our food and beverage scene, combining the tastes of the town with its history, culture, and hometown stories. The Biddeford Mills Tour gives you a deeper look inside the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. You can also delve deeper into the history at the Biddeford Mills Museum.
Learn about Biddeford’s history on a Biddeford Mills Tour (Photo: Main Street Maine)
You can also enjoy a slice of Biddeford history at one of the many stellar shows hosted by the City Theater. With its story dating back to 1860, the John Calvin Stevens designed theater is an iconic landmark dedicated to celebrating performance arts.
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Emma Bouthillette, a special contributor on behalf of Heart of Biddeford is a marketer, writer, yoga instructor, corgi mom, and native of Biddeford, Maine. In addition to publishing A Brief History of Biddeford with The History Press in 2017, her byline has appeared in the Portland Press Herald, Maine Women Magazine, and several other Maine-based publications.
The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco.
Organizers say that “this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction,” all in a lively, social atmosphere.
The event features 10 local speakers, each sharing a five-minute talk on a topic of their choice. The result is a fast-moving, inspiring program that highlights the voices and perspectives of our community.
Newly hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever will be one of the 10 speakers during this year’s event. (Jim Krause photo)
The wide range of speakers this year includes Biddeford’s new city administrator Truc Dever; Ellis Baum from Tiger Investment Services; Jessica Walter from Maine Trust for Local News; Rhona Deah from Rhona’s Beauty Shop and many more.
Before and after the presentations, guests will enjoy networking, food, drinks and the chance to bid on unique items in the silent auction. Donations range in value, from $25 to over $1,000, including gift certificates, experiences, services, and specialty products from local businesses.
“We’re excited to once again bring together local voices, businesses, and community members for an evening of ideas and generosity,” said Chamber Director Matt Lewis. “Ten Talks has become one of our signature events, showcasing the talent, creativity, and spirit that make our region thrive.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Funds raised through the silent auction support the Chamber’s work to strengthen and connect the Biddeford and Saco business community.
For more information, please contact the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce at 207-282-1567
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In a modest, second-floor apartment on Alfred Street, Zimra Winters is making his dream come true.
Winters, 29, has a daytime job working as a baker at Rover Bagel in Biddeford. But his real passion is cookies – cookies so delicious that after your first bite, you may think you have died and gone to heaven.
Earlier this week, Winters formally launched his own small business – Thank You Cookie Box, a boutique, mini bakery he operates in his own kitchen with a standard oven that you would find in most homes.
Zimra Winters of Biddeford shows off a tray of his artisan cookies that are made in his own kitchen. (Seaver photo)
Winters says he cleared all the hurdles necessary before launching his business, including inspections by the city’s code enforcement office and a state inspection.
“This is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Winters said. “When I was just 10 years old, I would bake cookies and sell them at the end of our driveway.”
Winters is truly passionate about cookies.
“I like how they look, and especially how they smell” he said.
Although the focus is on making handmade cookies from scratch with local ingredients, Winters points out that a standard artisan box of cookies comes in a recyclable cardboard box with eco-friendly wrapping.
Photo from the company’s website
“It really does make the perfect thank you gift for individuals or companies,” Winter says. According to their website, giving someone a custom-made box of cookies is “an effortless, consistent and customizable way to show gratitude.”
Winters says he can add a company’s logo to each gift box and provides online ordering and free delivery in the Biddeford-Saco area.
Thank You Cookies come in four signature flavors with a gourmet twist, including:
Chocolate Chunk – Fudgy soft with a rich brown butter flavor and generous chunks of milk chocolate – an elegant twist on the classic cookie;
Birthday Cake – A buttery vanilla sugar cookie is studded with creamy white chocolate chips and bright sprinkles for a birthday party in every bite
Red Velvet Crinkle – A delicate dusting of powdered sugar tops this velvet soft cocoa cookie on a local version of the classic red velvet cake;
Snickerdoodle – The timeless snickerdoodle with a rich brown butter flavor that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon.
Winters is also proud of his new company’s commitment to sustainability. Each cookie is individually wrapped in biodegradable cellophane sleeves to keep it fresh and soft for over a week while also reducing single-use plastic waste.
While Zimra is the cookie expert, his partner Katie Schraeder handles all other aspects of the new business. “We make a good team,” Winters said.
“I hope that someday we can expand this business,” he said. “For now, we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
For more information about Thank You Cookie Box, please visit their website.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com
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Bridgestone/Firestone Auto Care opens its first Maine location
Several Biddeford city officials joined with dozens of Bridgestone employees for Thursday’s grand opening event at Maine’s first Firestone Complete Auto Care location in Biddeford.
The auto care store first opened its doors on Alfred Road to the public on August 11, according to store manager Amanda Miller.
Miller said the Biddeford operation employs 13 people and is open seven days per week.
Although it took three attempts, company representatives and local leaders were able to cut the ceremonial ribbon to launch the grand opening. (Seaver photo)
In addition to all the pomp and circumstance of a typical ribbon cutting event, the company also announced a $3,000 donation plus some equipment and supplies for the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT)
The BRCOT serves high school students from Biddeford, Saco, Dayton and Waterboro with several areas of vocational training including plumbing, welding and automotive repair.
During his brief remarks at the ceremony, School Supt. Jeremy Ray thanked the company for their donation, adding that the BRCOT relies heavily on educational partnerships with area businesses.
According to Ray, the BRCOT has its largest enrollment in 15 years, serving more than 530 high school students who are exploring careers in the trades.
“This is a big win for us,” Ray told the crowd. “You often see things on social media pointing out the value of vocational training, but the city of Biddeford has been a proud leader in offering that type of education.”
Company officials and city leaders pose in front of Firestone’s well-known Big Foot truck during Thursday’s grand opening ceremony
According to company officials, the Biddeford location’s grand opening coincides with Firestone’s 100th anniversary. The Biddeford store, they said, is the first Firestone Complete Auto location in Maine and joins more than 2,000 other locations across the country.
City Manager Truc Dever told the audience she is in need of new tires after moving to Maine from Washington last month. “At least now I know where to get those tires,” she laughed.
Bridgestone/Firestone representatives said they will continue to provide ongoing support for the BRCOT’s automotive programs.
According to a company press release, Firestone Complete Auto Care is part of the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world, with more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com
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One of Biddeford’s most beloved local businesses is also located in the epicenter of the so-called ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, the six-month-long sewer upgrade project that has significantly interrupted traffic flow on Elm Street.
Dupuis Hardware is an old-fashioned hardware store, where knowledgeable employees can help you figure out what parts you need to repair a toilet or help you select the perfect grass seed for your lawn.
In an age of big-box stores, Dupuis Hardware remains as a community staple, and their customers are willing to put up with traffic in order to purchase a garden hose or get a new house key made.
Stewart Dupuis stands ready to help you with your next project (Seaver photo)
“I think people really appreciate our friendly service,” said manager Stewart Dupuis. “We’re able to offer personalized service and can really focus on each customer’s particular needs.”
Dupuis Hardware has been in business since 1957, and they have a loyal and dedicated customer base.
But they have also been hit very hard by the ongoing construction project taking place just outside their front door.
Dupuis said the family-owned business had to let go of two employees because of plunging sales likely connected to the massive construction project.
“It’s certainly been challenging, that’s for sure,” Dupuis said. “We just have to keep pushing forward. You do what you gotta do to survive.”
Dupuis says his store is best known for its expert locksmith department that provides resources for people with missing keys or malfunctioning electronic key fobs and many other services.
“We just have to keep pushing forward. You do what you gotta do to survive.”
— Stewart Dupuis
In addition to their professional locksmith services, customers can roam the store’s aisles and find everything from power tools to cleaning supplies; and from paint to gas grills.
If you have DIY project happening at home, a visit to Dupuis Hardware would be a good idea.
Dupuis Hardware is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
This week’s installment of Taking Care of Business features the three DiPietrantonio brothers and their popular Main Street convenience store in Biddeford
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While Three D’s Variety on Main Street in Biddeford relies heavily on foot traffic, owner Peter DiPietrantonio says his neighborhood convenience store is also being impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project in the downtown area.
“We’re definitely taking a hit, but not as bad as some other businesses,” DiPietrantonio said. “I’d estimate that our sales are down somewhere between 10 and 15 percent.”
Peter, Rob and Mark DiPietrantonio have been operating their Main Street convenience store for more than 30 years. (Seaver photo)
We caught up with Peter just a few days after traffic was allowed to turn right from Lincoln Street to Elm Street, north toward Saco.
“That’s making a huge positive difference,” he said. “Now, we just need to get rid of that temporary traffic light on the corner of Alfred Street.”
Three D’s Variety is one of the longest operating businesses on Main Street.
Peter and his brothers — Mark and Robert — started the business in 1994.
Today, their relatively small shop, located on the corner of Main and Washington streets, is often bustling with activity seven days a week, a mecca of sorts for loyal clientele and others seeking a measure of convenience in downtown Biddeford.
Peter says his family-owned store has benefitted from ongoing downtown revitalization and new community events that take place near the city’s core.
“All the revitalization, new businesses and downtown activities have all been good for us. The more people coming to downtown, the better our business is,” he said.
Robert DiPietrantonio says that more people are living in renovated and formerly vacant downtown mill buildings, substantially increasing foot traffic in the downtown area.
“The more people coming to downtown, the better our business is.”
— Peter DiPietrantonio
“Those residents want the convenience of buying batteries, Band-Aids, aspirin and things like that,” he said.
While new energy and interest in downtown is on an upward trajectory, there are still challenges.
“Just about everything happening in downtown has been very good for us,” Mark DiPietrantonio said during a previous interview. “But thirty years ago, we didn’t have people sleeping in the streets and in our entryways. We want to be helpful, but it is a problem.”
The three brothers say they are optimistic about their future and excited by downtown’s ongoing revitalization.
“We’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go since we opened our store,” Peter said. “You have to be ready to work hard. You have to be constantly keeping an eye on it. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Mike Clukey was a regular customer at George’s Sandwich Shop on Franklin Street in Biddeford for several years.
In fact, he liked the sandwiches so much that he jumped at the opportunity to purchase the iconic Biddeford landmark a little more than three years ago.
“We have a fantastic crew, and they are the ones responsible for our success,” Clukey said.
When asked if an ongoing sewer upgrade project is hurting his business, Clukey, 56, shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s hard to tell,” he says. “It’s weird. There are a lot of things at play this year, from inflation to a lot of rainy weekends. Things have been up and down, but yes . . . people are talking about the traffic.”
First made in 1948 by the Ladakakos family, George’s Italian-style sandwiches have since achieved near legendary status in Biddeford and surrounding communities.
“When you think of Biddeford, there are really three businesses that stand out,” Clukey said. “Pizza By Alex, Reilly’s Bakery and George’s”
Clukey said he and his team are absolutely committed to carrying on the traditions that have made George’s a popular take-out destination for more than 70 years.
“John and Joan [Ladakakos] worked closely with us, training and teaching us about every little detail that makes a sandwich from George’s extra special,” he said..
Clukey said he uses the same vendors for all of his products, and still purchases his fresh bread from Botto’s Bakery in Portland.
“We strive every day to deliver the same quality sandwich that people have come to expect from George’s,” Clukey said.
But Clukey said there is much more to George’s than just delicious sandwiches. “We really work to be an active part of the community,” he said, pointing out how his businesses has work to raise funds for various non-profit organizations.
With seven employees, Clukey says it’s team effort to make it all work and said DoorDash delivery options have become the store’s “bread and butter.”
Still located in their original Franklin Street location, George’s is open Sundays, from 10am to 2pm; Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Almost two years ago, Sima and Breese Reagle opened their sandwich store on Main Street in Biddeford with a simple mission: to bring the flavors of Cambodia to southern Maine.
In just a short amount of time, the BiddoBanh shop has built a loyal fan and customer base.
Breese and Sima Reagle help a customer inside their shop at 299 Main Street
But like many other downtown merchants, Breese and Sima also say their business has been adversely impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project that sometimes snarls traffic but is often exaggerated on social media.
“On the positive side, we have seen a significant uptick in people using DoorDash and other delivery options,” Breese explains. “But overall, our business is down.”
When asked what people should know about their business, Sima smiles and says “We’re just two people who like to cook and share our food.”
In addition to running their shop, Breese and Simi both enjoy being part of the larger community and collaborating with other merchants.
BiddoBanh participated in last month’s Juneteenth celebration and were also at the most recent Confetti Bazaar in downtown Biddeford.
“We’re just two people who like to cook and share our food.”
–Sima Reagle
“We really like being part of this community,” Sima says. “We’re not Portland, and we’re conscious of that. We’re part of the working class, and while we always strive to offer the highest quality food, we also work really hard to keep our prices affordable.”
So, what can you expect to find at BiddoBanh? Their summer menu features Cha lobster, a lemongrass falafel and Cambodian-style shaved ice.
Other menu items include a wide array of rice bowls, such as a ginger soy-glazed chicken bowl that is served with pickled vegetables and fresh cucumber.
“If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food,” Sima laughed.
BiddoBanh is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day from 11.a.m. to 6 p.m.
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 