By far, Rockland had the most changes over the winter as we watch this once rough and tumble town continue to evolve into a hot spot. Here's what happened over the fall and winter— what's open, what's closed, what's new.

Restaurant News

3Crow Closed

The popular restaurant located at 449 Main St, which launched in 2013, quietly closed last fall, after a prolonged legal battle since 2015 between the co-owners Josh Hixson and Tara Barker and the owner of the property, Richard Rockwell. So far, there has been no mention by owner Rockwell, who also owns Main Street Market, what will become of the space.

Rotary Pizza opens

Rotary Pizza is taking over the space at 10 Leland Street formerly occupied by Pho Sizzle. Coming in June, the pizza spot is run by Josh Gamage who writes “I knew Rockland needed a community farm to table pizzeria that can go head to head with the best but keep things at a price point so the community can truly enjoy.” Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more announcements.

Eclipse is under a new owner

In January, Rockland native and restaurateur Larry Reed, who owns The Pearl, acquired Eclipse along with the Speakeasy lounge on the lower level of the Trade Winds Inn.

Broken Egg name changes

A year ago, we covered the opening of Broken Egg, a new restaurant in Rockland, who got an unfortunate surprise over the winter when owner, Heather Symmt received a letter from The Broken Egg Cafe, a Southern restaurant chain, claiming she had infringed on their trademarked name. She had to close the business down for a month while she worked on getting a new name, new branding, etc. and re-emerged as Daily Perch Café on May 13.

No Primo retail space but a new barn

Rumors abounded over the winter that Primo Chef Melissa Kelly would take over the former Sweets and Meats space in the south end but by end of April, that did not materialize. Instead, in a press release, they announced it would open a Barn@Primo, an event space on top of the hill where its gardens are. The post and beam barn can accommodate 75 people. The restaurant opened May 12.

Undisputed Curry King

In related news, over the winter, a charismatic Camden resident Arif Shaikh has become the undisputed “king of curry” on the Midcoast. Along with classic Indian food recipes he provides Rockland’s Good Tern Co-op, he has also used The Daily Perch as to test the waters on certain pop up Indian food lunches and dinners. Check out Chris Wolf’s story on him here.

The Dip Net Changes to local owner

Lexi Rackliff-Zable is the new proprietor of the Dip Net Restaurant in Port Clyde. In February, Rackliff-Zable signed a three-year lease with Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine. Rackliff-Zable said that she does not own the property; rather, she is the new owner and operator of the business and Linda Beans’ Perfect Maine has nothing to do with the restaurant. The Dip Net  reopened May 31. Read that story.

Waterman’s Beach Lobster closed for good

Last September, a ripple on the food scene occurred before the snowbirds left, when Watermans Beach Lobster, a family-owned lobster shack announced it was closing for good after 30 years in the business. According to the Portland Press Herlad, the family wasn’t going to sell the business of property. Luckily folks in the area can still enjoy Luke’s Lobster, which will open for their second season. See our story on that here. http://www.penbaypilot.com/article/luke-s-tenants-harbor-new-lobster-shack-goes-right-source/73274

And The Food Truck Shuffle

Rocko’s Tacos, a food truck specializing in authentic and "Americanized" dishes a la Mexican style, which was parked in Rockland’s Buoy Park last season has changed locations. According to their Facebook page, they will now be parked on Tillson Avenue, opening in June. And a new food truck has taken its place. Amato’s Restaurant of the original Italian sandwiches, now has their spot and has opened for the season, serving hot and cold sandwiches and pizza.

Business News

 Up Periscope

Over the winter, a new bright and open space transformed at 442 Main Street, called Periscope, offering a diverse selection of Scandinavian-style furnishings. It has many pieces uniquely created by Maine artisans and furniture makers.

Steel House South

With the growth of Steel House’s studio and offerings, the Steel House is opening their second building, Steel House South on May 13. This purpose-built space features oceanfront office views, conference rooms, a gallery and additional classroom and event space. They are launching summer courses, an ambitious exhibit schedule and a new residency program. Read the latest story.

Clay!

Clay!, a new community ceramics studio at 201 West St opened this January under Avery Larned, offeing  monthly memberships with access to pottery wheels, glazing accoutrements and a kiln along with monthly workshops on a variety of artistic techniques, and open studio drop-in times.

Bayoga

A new yoga and wellness center founded by Ari Hecht and run by Kristina Mitchell has opened on 8 Lindsey Street offering state of the art radiant heated studio, massage & bodywork treatment rooms and an infrared sauna facility.

J.C. Penney closes

In February J.C. Penney announced nationwide closings, up to 140 stores. And The J.C. Penney department store in Rockland Plaza is one of the only ones in Maine that got the axe. There’s no word yet what will go into that department space.

Building Changes

McClain School

The RSU 13 Board voted unanimously at its Jan. 5 meeting to offer the building to Rockland.

New Edna St. Vincent Millay House

The house of Edna St. Vincent Millay was falling into disrepair and taken over by the Rockland Historical Society this winter to be renovated into the Millay House Rockland, a new literary organization that will "preserve the birthplace of Edna St. Vincent Millay and celebrate her legacy through education, the literary arts, and significant collaborations within the Maine community and beyond." See the whole story and a gallery of photos here.

If we've missed any business updates, comings and goings, expansions and the like, shoot us an email with the subject line "Add to Rockland Snow Birds story" and we'll give it a look.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com