Friday Food Insider: Bangor Wine and Cheese Co. enters a new era

Photo / Courtesy Bangor Wine and Cheese Bangor Wine and Cheese is located at 86 Hammond St. in Bangor.

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The longtime owners of Bangor Wine and Cheese Co. in downtown Bangor announced on Monday that the business is entering a new era with a new owner.

The wine and cheese shop, located at 86 Hammond St., has been a staple of the Bangor community since 2000. It is known for its selection of wine, cheeses and specialty goods.

Longtime owners Eric and Christine Mihan announced today the sale of the store to local resident Annie Cutler, who plans to usher in a fresh vision for the business.

“This transition is bittersweet for us, of course, but it's also exactly what any dedicated small business owner could hope for...continuity,” Eric Mihan told Mainebiz. “Over the past 15 years, Christine and I have poured our hearts into making Bangor Wine and Cheese a place that celebrates great products and adding to the fabric of the community. We know Annie will continue that tradition while adding to it, much as we did all those years ago, and we look forward to her realizing her vision for this venerable piece of the downtown.”

Cutler told Mainebiz that the business will close temporarily at the end of December to make some changes, but she plans to reopen in February 2025.

Cutler said she intends to offer wine and cheeses but plans to add meats, artisan breads, specialty foods and kitchenware.

“Taking over Bangor Wine and Cheese is an incredible opportunity to build on its legacy while introducing something new and exciting for the community,” said Cutler.

“Our goal is to honor the integrity of what has made this store special while evolving it into a destination that celebrates the everyday joys of life as much as the most important milestones. We want to be a place where people find their favorite anniversary bottle of wine and also their Friday night nosh to share with loved ones.”

In other food news

On Thursday, workers at the Starbucks in Waterville became the third location in Maine where workers voted to unionize. Employees voted 9-1 to be represented by Starbucks Workers United.

On Dec. 9, staff at the Waterville Commons location filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize. At that time, employees said they were seeking living wages, racial and gender equity and fair scheduling, as well as "respect."

“I’m so happy to have had the chance to work with my partners to build a better future! Moving forward, I hope we can all encourage everyone to raise their voice and fight for what’s right,” said Destiny Bragdon, a barista at the Waterville cafe.

Via Sophia by the Sea, an Italian seafood restaurant in Kennebunk, announced on social media that Dec. 22 will be the final day the restaurant and its downstairs bar, the Rabbit Hole, will be open.

“Thank you to everyone in the community and our wonderful guests for supporting us from the beginning,” said the social media post.

The business, located at 27 Western Ave., opened in June 2022. It is the second location of the Washington, D.C, restaurant Via Sopia. It is part of the Kennebunk Resort Collection, operated by EOS Investers LLC and partner and creative director Tim Harrington.

As we close out 2024, the Maine food scene has had some ups and downs. I look forward to sharing more tasty tidbits with you all in 2025. If you have any comments or suggestions for the new year, I would love to hear from you. Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.