From lobster rolls beside Portland Head Light to barbecue near an active runway in Sanford, two new outdoor food ventures are set to open this Memorial Day weekend.
From lobster rolls beside Portland Head Light to barbecue near an active runway in Sanford, two new outdoor food ventures are set to open this Memorial Day weekend as Maine's seasonal dining economy ramps up for summer.
In Cape Elizabeth, Luke's Lobster plans to open a seasonal food truck today at Fort Williams Park, near Portland Head Light.
It joins a crowded field with two other purveyors of lobster rolls: Bite into Maine, a mainstay at the park since 2011; and Kettle Cove Ice Cream and Shack, with a new truck this year in a spot formerly occupied by Cousins Maine Lobster.
The Luke's truck will operate in the park's Ship Cove picnic area. The menu centers on the company's signature lobster and crab rolls, including its traditional "Luke's Way" preparation — chilled seafood served on a buttered split-top bun with mayonnaise, lemon butter and seasoning — alongside new variations like hot honey butter, truffle and chili crisp. It will also offer sides, desserts and drinks.
"I grew up in Cape Elizabeth, so serving Luke’s Lobster at Fort Williams Park is a full-circle moment for me,” said Luke Holden, co-founder and CEO of Luke’s Lobster. “This coastline was basically our backyard and I spent a ton of time out here as a kid. And now, getting to have our Luke’s food truck right in the shadow of Portland Head Light feels pretty incredible.
"We wanted to operate in a simple spot where people — locals, visitors, whoever — can grab a lobster roll and take it all in," added Holden, who was honored on the Mainebiz Next list in 2021. "Fort Williams never gets old, and we're just happy to be a part of it."
The food truck will be open daily, weather permitting, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sanford food trucks
The Hangar Food Truck Park at the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, following limited operations earlier this spring.
The project transforms part of the airport into an outdoor gathering space with rotating food trucks, patio seating and views of runway traffic. Organizers say the concept is intended to appeal not only to pilots and aviation enthusiasts, but also to local residents seeking new outdoor dining options.
The park is operated by Parker Montano, owner of Pine Tree Helicopters, which is based at the airport.
Hangar Food Truck Park in Sanford. PHOTO / COURTESY SANFORD SEACOAST REGIONAL AIRPORT
“We wanted to create a place where people can come hang out, grab great food, and enjoy the atmosphere of the airport,” said Montano. "You can sit outside, watch planes take off and land, and try something different every time you visit. There really isn’t anything else like it around here, and we’re excited to bring that experience to Sanford.”
Organizers say they hope the food truck park will become a regular destination throughout the warmer months, with vendors rotating frequently.
Reader feedback
What summer foodie events are on your list this year? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
