Ted's Fried Clams, a long-time Shapleigh establishment that shut down three years ago, will reopen this spring under new ownership.
The York County town has a population of 2,921.
Theodore and Grace Mavrakos founded Ted's Friend Clams in 1950 as a small roadside clam shack at 222 Emery Mills Road. Ted's grew into a regional institution under three generations of family ownership.
The business ceased operations in 2023 after a fire caused extensive damage to the property.
The new owners announced they will open the business on May 1.
The new ownership group includes Joe Christopher of Upward Management Group, whose first job as a teenager in the 1980s was at Ted's. He is joined in the venture by Rob Orr, Matt Orr and Roger Zeghibe.
Pictured are the new owners Rob Orr, Matt Orr, Joe Christopher and Roger Zeghibe. PHOTO / COURTESY GUIDED MARKETING
"Ted's Fried Clams holds a special place in my heart," said Christopher. "Harry and John Mavrakos taught me the fundamentals of hard work and hospitality when I was just starting out. I’m so excited to come back to this iconic Maine business, 40-plus years later, after first working there, to help revive it and share it with the next generation."
The previous owner is working with the new team to bring back the original Ted’s Fried Clams recipes and techniques.
The reopened Ted's will feature classic menu items, vintage recipes, takeout and lunch-counter service. It will also offer new options, including fresh salads and vegan dishes from Veggie Life Foods of Wells. The group plans to add a full bar and are working on making some interior improvements.
Christopher has been involved in reviving other food-related businesses in Maine.
Surf shop closing
Maine Surfers Union, at 15 Free St. in Portland, a surf and lifestyle retail space that also served coffee and beer, announced it will close on March 15 after 13 years.
Owner Charlie Fox said in a social media post that this decision stems from a desire to spend more time with family.
"It was not an easy choice, but family is everything. After 13 amazing years, it feels like the right time for this next chapter," he said.
Maine Surfer Union is located at 15 Free St. in Portland. PHOTO / PETER VAN ALLEN
Fox said he will continue surf lessons this summer, with more information to come in the spring.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the loyalty, love and the community you’ve built with us," said Fox in his Instagram post. "You didn’t just support a shop — you created something truly special."
Maine Restaurant Week
Maine Restaurant Week is set to begin on Sunday and run through March 12.
Around 80 restaurants from Ogunquit to Presque Isle are participating. Each location will serve up Maine Restaurant Week specials or a three-course menu priced at $38, $48, or $58 per person.
Organizers Gillian and Jim Britt created the event in 2009 as a way to help restaurants during the slow winter months.
“Maine Restaurant Week is not a deal event,” said Gillian Britt. “It’s about showing up. It’s about filling dining rooms, tipping generously, and giving restaurant owners, servers, bartenders, cooks and dishwashers a much-needed summer-like boost when winter is at its toughest.”
There is still time to sign up if you‘d like your restaurant to participate in the celebration. Check out the Maine Restaurant Week website for more information.
Reader feedback
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