Shonee Strickland Plans New Biddeford Brewery After Winning Business Plan Contest

Shonee Strickland drinking an Oxbow FPA Surprise at Novare Res. [Photo: Matt Boutet Photography]

The nascent Biddeford brewing scene will soon welcome its second member. Shonee Strickland, currently the assistant brewer at Saco's Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery, was just named as one of the winners of Heart of Biddeford's Main Street Challenge. The economic development non-profit agency's contest required entrants to pitch an idea, formulate a business plan and give a presentation on it. Strickland found out two nights ago that she was one of the winners with her craft brewery plan. The award includes a $10,000 forgivable loan and other financial incentives.

Eater reached out to Strickland for some details on her planned brewery, which will join Banded Horn Brewing Co. (opened last month), as the only beer factories in town. "I want to help put Biddeford on the beer map, and with the fantastic beers that Banded Horn has already started to put out, we are on well our way!" Strickland wrote in an email. "The plan is to be open Summer 2014. I do not have a name yet, as I am waiting until a location for the brewery is selected. I am in the process of locking down a location in one of Biddeford's many great old mill buildings."

The beer? She plans to brew "unique takes on classic styles and food-centric brews." There will be a rotating selection of at least three beers available in the tasting room, where samples and growler fills will be offered. She plans to host beer-related events in "a comfortable, open-concept, industrial-rustic style tasting room," much of which she will construct herself with the help of family and friends.

Strickland says the booming local beer scene and tight-knit beer community has made this all possible: "The Maine brewing community has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to pursue my dream, and I am incredibly grateful."
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