Say one thing for the Pepperell Mill: there's still a lot of space to be had there. Portland Pie Company jumped at the opportunity to plant its flag in the burgeoning campus, staking out a 5,300 square foot claim and erecting a full-service restaurant with 142 seats and delivery service. "There's such a positive buzz surrounding the development in Biddeford and we're excited to be a part of that," said Nat Getchell, the chain's co-founder and president. See the full press release below.
The newest location, the company's fourth in Maine and seventh overall, shares a popular parking lot with Banded Horn Brewing Company. The brewery, just over a year old, enjoys a steady stream of traffic to its own large tasting room. It's not a brew pub; beer is the start and finish of the brewery's menu offerings. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, though, which should lead to a positive interplay between the two new neighbors.
Tasting room visitors could order take-out from Portland Pie and hang out for another drink across the hall; when the tasting room closes, the brews should still be available at Portland Pie, where at least one Banded Horn tap handle was on display in opening day press photos. The presence of a pizza warmer isn't entirely reassuring, so plan your order accordingly.
Michael "Biggie" Delaney, a brand ambassador at Banded Horn, agreed that the businesses should complement one another nicely. "Is there anything better than beer and pizza? Banded Horn is happy to welcome our new neighbors to the Mill. They are currently pouring the Pepperell Pilsener. And we are currently crushing pie," he summarized. "Skál!"
Portland Pie Co. Biddeford Open for Business
The seventh Portland Pie location opens today!
Biddeford, ME: Portland Pie Co. seventh location opens to the public on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015. The new full-service restaurant in Biddeford, Maine joins Banded Horn, The Yard, Impact Fitness, Hyperlite Mountain Gear and other local businesses in the Pepperell Mill building. Portland Pie Co. is excited to be a part of the revitalization of the Biddeford Downtown and looks forward to writing a new chapter in the repurposed mill building. This new location joins the three existing restaurants in Maine: Portland, Westbrook and Scarborough; the two locations in New Hampshire: Nashua and Manchester; and the most recent addition in Massachusetts: Reading.The ovens have been fired up, the bar taps have been tested and the staff are trained. In addition to bringing the best Maine pizza dough closer to the Southern Maine market, the opening has injected over 50 new jobs to the Biddeford business community.
The Biddeford location features 142 seats, at 5,300 square feet. A large open-concept lounge creates a space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a cocktail, catch up with friends, or watch a sporting event on the large-screen televisions. The spacious dining area offers a new Downtown Biddeford option for lunch or dinner out with the entire family. With both pub seating and dining room space, all guests can find their ideal restaurant options. For guests or businesses in the community who prefer take away or delivery service, the new offering in Biddeford should be a welcome addition!
According to Nat Getchell, Co-Founder & President, "There's such a positive buzz surrounding the development in Biddeford and we're excited to be a part of that. Establishing restaurants in downtown locations, creating lasting ties to the community and rehabilitating historic properties is part of Portland Pie Co.'s core mission and we're thrilled to bring that effort to the city of Biddeford."
Portland Pie Co.'s Biddeford location will join the steadily-growing family of restaurants in New England, founded by Steve Freese and Nat Getchell. The entrepreneurs opened their doors in 1997 in Portland, ME, with a take-out and delivery business specializing in premium gourmet pizza with flavored pizza dough. The concept quickly caught on as did the demand for more diverse menu offerings. Shortly after opening, they added appetizers, salads and sandwiches to the menu.After five successful years as a take-out and delivery-based business, the business model was changed to meet the needs of the Greater Portland area, and the flagship Portland location was relocated to accommodate a sit down/dine in experience. This evolution also created a bar area offering beer and wine, and later full liquor service. Since that initial move, the company has also expanded to include a wholesale manufacturing company, It'll Be Pizza, which produces Portland Pie Co.'s signature gourmet flavored pizza dough balls, which are carried in New England supermarkets and offered by food service distributors around the country.
Portland Pie Co.'s loyalty program, the "Frequent Pie-er Card" is available at the Biddeford restaurant. Current "Pie-ers" can utilize their points at the new location and new members will be able to start accumulating rewards. The Biddeford business community also adds another choice to their list for business lunches, catering and delivery service. The Business Rewards loyalty program will be available for all local businesses, with members accumulating rewards with all orders.