NOTE: The local businesses featured here are all being significantly impacted by the ongoing project along Elm Street in both Biddeford and Saco
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Champions Sports Bar: Where everybody knows your name
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. READ MORE
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Dupuis Hardware: A community staple trying to survive
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.
“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.
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.
For more information, you visit their website at dupuishardware.com.
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Rolling With the Punches | 3 D’s Variety
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.”
We caught up with Peter just 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.
“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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Vintage clothing, ceramics and a friendly vibe at Offhand Clothing & Ceramics
As you soon as you step through the front door, you can tell that you have landed in a unique and friendly place that offers a little something for almost everyone.
And that is exactly what co-owners Kelsey Cummings and Evan Lockwood envisioned when they opened Offhand Clothing and Ceramics at 288 Main Street in Biddeford earlier this year.
“Maine has such a cool vibe, and we really love living here,” says Kelsey Cummings, a native of western Massachusetts. “People are so friendly here. The world can be tough, but people here work hard and play hard.”
The store is not a consignment shop. Everything in the shop is curated by Kelsey and Evan.
“We travel throughout New England, and we hand-pick every item,” Kelsey explains. “We offer affordable and stylish clothing, and we pride ourselves on having a wide selection.”
No matter the size or style you’re looking for, Kelsey and Evan are ready to help. “If we don’t have it here, we can find it for you,” Evan explains. “We’re always up for a challenge.”
Kelsey said she loves being integrated in her new hometown. “We want to become a staple in the community, so we’re always looking for new ways to be involved,” she said.
Kelsey and Evan are active members of Heart of Biddeford. They also are collaborating with their neighbors, the McArthur Library and are active participants in events such as Friday Night Art-walks.
In addition to vintage clothing, the shop also offers jewelry, pottery and books.
Off Hand Clothing & Ceramics is open Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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A “Chill Environment and Affordable Menu at Mulligan’s
For more than three decade’s Mulligan’s Pub on Lincoln Street in Biddeford has been widely known and loved for its affordable menu prices and casual atmosphere.
Originally known as Shelley’s, Mulligan’s achieved near iconic status among its customers after the business was purchased by the late George Sharkey in the early 1990s.
The always-smiling Sharkey became locally famous for offering a $5 steak special that brought people from near and far to the popular pub. It was a business model designed to get people in the door. Other menu items and drinks were competitively priced.
While Mulligan’s no longer offers a $5 steak special, its menu still features a wide variety of pub favorites at affordable prices now under new ownership.
Like many other downtown businesses, Mulligan’s has taken a significant hit since the beginning of a major sewer upgrade project that sometimes snarls downtown traffic.
“There’s no question that our business is down,” said Stacy Rizas, the daytime bar manager at Mulligan’s. “A lot of the people do come in complain and ask why we need so many road closures all at once.”
Rizas said Mulligan’s offers a “chill environment,” with free popcorn, available pool tables and a friendly staff.
“We’re definitely known for being friendly and casual,” Rizas said.
“In an effort to boost business, Rizas said Mulligan’s is relying more on social media and trying to be creative with creating daily specials.
Located at 23 Lincoln Street, Mulligan’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for food service, Monday-Saturday and from 12 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Bar service is available until midnight, Monday through Saturday.
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Bringing Cambodian Flavor to Biddeford
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.
But like many other downtown merchants, Breese and Sima also say their business has been adversely impacting 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 Sima 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 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.
BiddoBanh is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day from 11.a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can learn more about BiddoBanh by visiting their website at https://biddobanh.com/
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Something For Everyone at Nibblesford in Biddeford
Travis Kern is the co-owner of Nibblesford, a gourmet cheese shop located on Washington Street in downtown Biddeford.
Kern says that the city’s ongoing sewer upgrade construction project is putting a significant dent into his business, estimating a roughly 40 percent drop in revenues when compared to this time last year.
Kern and his brother, Ian, opened the store nearly four years ago, and they are both trying to remain positive and open to creative ideas about how to improve the situation – for them and their fellow downtown merchants.
“We’re not sure what we can do to offset this, but we’re open to new ideas,” Travis said.
Kern said that he and his brother are constantly looking for ways to promote their business and attract new customers.
“Our regular customers make the effort to come here because they know they are going to find high-quality products that you can’t buy in other stores around town,” Kern says.
In addition to a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, Nibblesford also offers its customers a variety of wines, crackers, fresh bread and sandwiches, not to mention fresh cheese and charcuterie boards.
“We try to keep our focus on local products and support local vendors whenever we can,” Kern said. “We offer locally what you would have to drive to Portsmouth or Portland to find.”
Nibblesford is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information about their shop and their products, please visit their website at https://www.nibblesford.com/
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A Family Affair at New Morning Natural Foods
Chase and Kelsey Caras are in the process of becoming the new owners of the family-owned New Morning Natural Foods store at 230 Main Street in Biddeford.
For more than 40 years, New Morning Natural Foods has become a favorite destination for those seeking healthy and organic alternatives for either a quick lunch or some produce to take home for your next meal — or maybe a recommended bottle of wine.
First opened in 1976, Chase and Kelsey say they are excited about keeping their family’s legacy alive and thriving.
However, the couple quickly concedes that the ongoing traffic congestion has taken a noticeable toll on their business.
So why should you make an extra effort to visit New Morning Natural Foods?
Well, for starters the store is packed with almost everything you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, from organic produce to natural vitamins and supplements – – and don’t forget the fresh baked bread and an extensive collection of local and regional wines.
“We strive to offer local foods,” says Chase. “We get our produce from Girard Farms in Waterboro, and we’re now offering raw milk from BrookRidge Farm in Lyman.”
New Morning also offers a comprehensive selection of both gluten-free and dairy-free products. So, whether you need a quick sandwich to go (their chicken salad is to die for) or are looking for other healthy meal choices, stop by and say hello to Chase and Kelsey.
New Morning Natural Foods is open Monday thru Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They accept all major cards, Apple-Pay and cash. For more information, check their website
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 