THOMASTON—Locally sourced, delicious food—that’s the Maine way—and entrepreneurs Tai Leavitt and Darren Albers are using the state’s area code as their Maine brand in their latest food truck venture, 207 Eats.

207 Eats has used the late summer and early fall as their launchpad for a soft opening. Operations are currently on hiatus while Albers is traveling and 207 Eats plans to re-open Monday, November 1.

Located in Thomaston, near the Rockland town line (218 New County Road —Route 1) close to another local food truck Zack Shack, the food truck will make its temporary home at this location into December, weather permitting, before relocating to Rockport in Spring 2022.

The heart of 207 Eats’ menu is based on the seasonality of food.

“We’ve made all kinds of connections with Maine farms,” Leavitt said. “Even though we’re open a little later in the fall, we’re doing what we can to buy directly from farms. We also buy meat from Curtis Custom Meats in Warren. And of course, by next summer, we’ll have all kinds of options.”

On the typical menu, which changes week to week, one might find tacos, quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids, Reubens with Morse’s Saurerkraut, BBQ pulled pork, cheesesteaks, homemade meatball subs, and freshly made desserts.

207 Eats also makes good use of locally caught seafood with crabmeat rolls, haddock sandwiches, chowders, with lobster dishes on the menu for next spring.

Leavitt said that popular items have included their housemade Caesar Salad, pulled pork, and sausage rolls, while vegetarian options are in the works.

Leavitt, who grew up in Camden, has lived in California for the past two decades, working as a chef while also cooking for high-end catering companies in San Francisco. A couple of years ago, Leavitt moved back to the Midcoast to be closer to family.

“I’m happily back in Maine,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt and Albers’s personal interest in philanthropy has extended to 207 Eats business practices.  As such 207 Eats reserves 50 percent of all tips for community charities with the other 50 percent going to their workers. Their first donation went to the Thomaston Food Pantry.’

“I’ve always had a soft spot for animal rescue organizations and women’s support groups,” said Leavitt. “We’re here to do good in the world.”

When the food truck re-opens on November 1, Leavitt said the menu will veer into more “winter comfort food” territory, such as stews, chilis, soups, pot pies, and Shepherd's pie. These items will be offered hot or properly chilled and packaged to be warmed later at home. And they may venture into starting breakfast as well starting from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Stay on top of 207 Eats re-opening and changing menu by following them on:

Facebook: @207EATSfoodtruck
Instagram: @207eatsfoodtruck
Tiktok: @207eatsfoodtruck

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com