Welcome back Snowbirds. If you've been away all winter and are eager to see what has changed and what’s new in the towns of Camden, Rockport and a bit beyond, read on!

What Will Open This Spring/Summer

Spice Herbal Pizzaria

For several years, Aphiwat Raklittikul, aka Mr. Wat, rolled sushi at Mr. Wat’s Sushi and Noodles in Rockport and Rockland. In 2017, he stepped aside from the food entrepreneurship due to health reasons. Now a tenant of 148 West Street, a small, one-story commercial structure east of Erickson Preserve. “Spice Herbal Pizzeria” is the business name printed on the application. It is described as a take-out pizza restaurant.

Oliver’s

The former Elm St. Grille, in the Cedar Crest Motel was last Horsefeather Grille before they closed. Gary Oliver and his business partner Kevin DeFoe are moving their popular takeout business Mt. Battie Takeout (across from the Camden Hills State Park) and moving into this spot and plan to serve fresh seafood, salads, burgers and more with plans to open in May.

Blue Barren Distillery

Blue Barren Distillery, a small-batch craft distillery and tasting room has been slated to open in May to the public. Located in a renovated machine room that sits right next to Rhumb Line on the Lyman Morse marina side of the Camden Harbor, the distillery had its first public tasting of their debut blueberry brandy, Eau de Vie in March. By May they expect to have some tables out and the distillery open. Read that story here and here

Page Gallery

Colin Page has been a painter in the Midcoast since he moved here in 2003, but this year he is taking on an additional role as a gallery owner on Bay View Street in Camden, launching May 9. See that story here.

Business News

FatFace

FatFace, an international clothing store for men, women and children, opened at 10 Bayview Street in March. Great story: the store was founded by two ski bums. See our recent story here.

Barefoot In Denim

Barefoot in Denim, a new clothing and accessories boutique for women opened at 24 Bay View Street in March in the former Theo B. Camisole space. See our recent story here.

Funky Farmhouse

Funky Farmhouse an eclectic store offering urban farmhouse decor, moved to 53 Bayview Street and plans to open late May. See our recent story here.

Mid-coast Recovery Coalition

Mid-coast Recovery Coalition bought the house on 63 Washington Street and has recently transformed it into a recovery house for women See more details here.

If we've missed any new businesses that would be interesting to folks coming back to Maine, shoot us an email with the subject line "Add to Camden story" and we'll add it into the list! Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com