Fork Food Lab bought 95-97 Darling Ave in South Portland from East Brown Cow for $5.9 million. Fork Food Lab is Maine’s only non-profit food business incubator and shared commercial kitchen. According to their website, their mission is to “support a just, diverse, and sustainable food economy in Maine, where food entrepreneurs are supported in their quest to produce high quality and sustainable products utilizing locally sourced ingredients.” Fork Food Lab is owned by a Yarmouth-based nonprofit and is currently located at 72 Parris St in Portland. Darling Ave is about eight times the size of their current location.
“Our ability to purchase the property hinged on our partnership with East Brown Cow and they were willing to grant us an unusual amount of time to put all the pieces together to make this a reality for our members,” said Bill Seretta, executive director of Fork Food Lab, indicating that the deal had its roots in 2021.
The property consists of two single-story office buildings, on 3.18 acres. Originally separate structures, the two buildings later merged into one by an enclosed walkway. Construction is already underway at the 42,000-square-foot space to convert it into a kitchen and food business incubator.
Seretta stated that the move is expected to happen on or around June 1.
East Brown Cow was represented by Joe Malone and Jennifer Small of Malone Commercial Brokers in the transaction and Brice O’Connor at the Boulos Co. represented the buyer.
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