South Portland Economic Development

08/28/2026

Need to do some last minute shopping for back to school? Head over to the Maine Mall neighborhood! SoPo is fortunate to have one of Maine's largest shopping destinations right here in town. Here we are highlighting just a few of the many options, so stop by this weekend to find what you need!

08/26/2026

In honor of National Dog Day we wanted to highlight some of SoPo's most beloved doggy businesses!

📍The Bark Yard- Your one stop shop for daycare, grooming, training, and overnight boarding. They are an achievement-based, fear-and-force free daycare that prioritizes the wellbeing of each dog as an individual. They have previously won gold in the Best of 207 "pet daycare/boarding" category. The Bark Yard

📍SoPo Paws- SoPo Paws is a full-service pet salon. Their services include traditional grooming and bathing tasks such as nail trims, de-matting, shampooing, and toothbrushing. They also creative coloring services, using pet-safe hair dye, hair chalk, and nail polish. SoPo Paws

📍Port Grooming & Pet Care Center- Both a professional grooming salon and a pet supply shop with over 25 years of successful business. They also offer self-serve pet bathing! Port Grooming and Pet Care Center

📍Red's Dairy Freeze- While it may not come to your mind when you think of SoPo Pet businesses, we can't leave out Red's and their delicious pup cups! A favorite amongst both pups and their parents! Red's Dairy Freeze

08/25/2026

The Economic Development Department and Committee will host a meeting to present the accomplishments of the EPA-funded Brownfields Assessment Program. Additionally, there will be a recap of the EPA-funded Brownfields RLF Program Dredge Project at South Port Marine. This meeting is open to the public. City staff and the qualified environmental professionals who assist with the program will be available to answer questions.

Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: City Council Chambers, 25 Cottage Way, South Portland

The meeting will also be recorded and posted on the Brownfields Program website: https://lnkd.in/gtJP8wiN

08/24/2026

We love getting lunch from Verbena! This charming Knightville cafe is the perfect spot for your morning cup of coffee, lunch with a friend, or even takeout for your lunchtime work meeting. Their space is expansive with a good variety of seating options, from comfy couches to wooden tables and chairs. The menu truly has something for everyone, with great vegetarian and dietary friendly options, incredible sweet treats, and fun beverages. They are open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday, so make sure to stop by next time you’re in Knightville or place an online takeout order for pickup!

08/20/2026

Calling all business owners! To register for this session, please head to https://form.jotform.com/262075405952155 . See you there!

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Himalayas on the Bay! City Councilor Elyse Tipton (Mayor Tipton) helped the team celebrate its grand opening last weekend. The restaurant features a hybrid menu focusing on traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes alongside familiar Indian favorites from its sister restaurant, Hi Bombay in Portland. The food is fabulous, made from scratch and served beautifully. Check it out!
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am - 9:00 pm
Location: 60 Ocean St in Knightville

08/12/2026

Exciting News! Welcome to SoPo's newest restaurant. Join them this weekend for their grand opening. August 15 at 2pm. Ribbon Cutting followed by the chance to check out their menu!

Date: Saturday, August 15th
Time: Doors open at 2:00 PM
Location: 60 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME 041061
Offerings: Full menu, signature cocktails, and drinks

08/10/2026

Congratulations to Deb's Sandwich Shop!

Formerly known as Broderick's Silver Dollar Sandwich Shop from 1978-1998. Owner Deb grew up in South Portland and worked at the shop for all 20 years. She then bought it in 1998 and renamed it Deb's Sandwich Shop. it's been serving South Portland residents since then. Come check out this long standing business with a laid back atmosphere featuring sandwiches and burgers as well as breakfast fare. Thank you to Councilors Matthew and West and Econ Dev Committee member Marty Riehle for presenting the award.

Address: 528 Main Street
Phone: (207) 773-4913

Hours:
Monday thru Wednesdays: 6:30 AM–2 PM
Thursdays and Fridays: 6:30 AM-4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Closed on Sunday

08/05/2026

The Economic Development Department presents a three-part series for South Portland businesses and commercial property owners. Learn from highly experienced professionals with decades of experience doing this work at state, regional and national level. Network with colleagues who have experience implementing strategies with demonstrated results. REGISTER FOR SESSON 1 NOW: https://lnkd.in/gqYvS4dF

Session 1, Sept 23: Energy 101 -- Procurement, Bills, and Efficiency Incentives.
Audience goal: Gain a better understanding of drivers of energy costs and discover funding opportunities to reduce bills.

Session 2, Oct 21: Demand Management -- Load Flexibility, Solar, Battery Storage, and Backup Power.
Audience goal: Learn about the financial and non-energy benefits of load flexibility, on-site generation and energy storage for businesses.

Session 3, Nov 18: Putting It Together -- Your Energy Action Plan.
Audience goal: Building on the first two sessions, attendees will learn how to develop actionable plans to reduce energy costs and enhance business operations by improving reliability and comfort.

08/01/2026

We're thrilled to spotlight Deb's Sandwich Shop in our August 2026 Newsletter! This establishment has been serving the South Portland community for almost 50 years, providing a laid-back atmosphere and delicious sandwiches. Join us in celebrating local businesses that enrich our community!

https://conta.cc/4gajT3J

Email from Economic Development - City of South Portland Select View Entire Message for the full scoop!     August 2026 Newsletter "The tension between what is, and what we dream of, is important. Not