Sherman's Books Buys Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe in Damariscotta

The Lincoln County News shares news of the sale of Damariscotta's 50-year-old icon Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe to Jeff Curtis, owner of Sherman's Books, Maine's oldest line of independent book stores. Curtis' life partner Maria Boord will turn her attentions to the cafe, the first in the Sherman's chain. According to the release, Boord "has extensive experience in the food service business, including as head chef at The Squire Tarbox Inn and as owner of Maria's Cafe in New Harbor some years ago."

Sherman's — based in Bar Harbor and with locations in Portland, Camden, Boothbay Harbor, and Freeport — will be renamed Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops to reflect the historic partnership. Curtis expects "to assume daily operations of the Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe on Jan. 1," the release notes. Cross your fingers for the success of the cafe component of the business, as that could encourage the company to open further locations with book-themed sandwiches like the Peter Rabbit (hummus, green pepper, onion, cucumber, oven roasted tomato, and lettuce).