By Jim Damicis, Scarborough resident and Senior Vice President, Camoin Associates
Scarborough has been home to some iconic restaurants. These include the Marshview (where my wife and I held our wedding reception 35 years ago), Dunstan Schoolhouse, Clambake, Ken’s, Anjon’s, Pat’s, Spurwink Kitchen, Bayley’s, and more.
Historically, much of the consumer demand was driven by the town’s proximity to the coast and related to tourism and visitation, along with some small local establishments typical of any community. Overall, Scarborough was not densely populated with restaurant options. This was impacted by Portland serving as a food hub and Scarborough’s proximity to the Maine Mall in South Portland, where chain restaurants grew and thrived. This made the market feasibility for restaurant owners and investors in Scarborough less appealing.
But this is changing. In recent years, Scarborough has had the highest percentage rate increase in restaurant employment among neighboring communities.
In 2023, the latest year for which data is available, Scarborough had approximately 68 restaurants employing 1,108 persons (see Figure 1). This represents 23% growth from the 2018 level of 904, an increase of 204 employees. Scarborough’s growth rate during this period was significantly higher than any surrounding community, which all experienced job losses.
Additionally, while COVID had a significant impact on restaurants in 2020, leading to employment losses and business closures, compared to surrounding communities, Scarbrough was impacted less, was quicker to recover, and in 2023, was the only community where restaurant employment was higher than before COVID (see Figure 2).
This recent growth in restaurants in Scarborough, both in absolute terms and relative to the other communities, is changing Scarborough’s position toward becoming a place to go and eat; in other words, it is increasing its relative concentration of restaurants.
These data trends raise the question, “Why is Scarborough experiencing restaurant growth?” A few reasons have contributed, though there are likely others. First, Southern Maine, anchored by Portland, has become a well-known food destination and is marketed as such. The word gets out! People come to Southern Maine for the beaches, coast, and all the other traditional reasons, but they come more and more for the food. Second is growth in households and population. Maine, particularly Scarborough, has experienced significant housing development and net in-migration relative to other places in the Northeast. Third, growth of seasonal rentals, including through platforms like Airbnb and its competitors. This creates a greater capacity to house visitors and tourists.
Given Scarborough’s location in Southern Maine and on the coast, along with its population and housing trends, restaurant growth will continue to rise. We have already seen it since 2023 based on recent and planned development at the Downs, along Payne Road, along Route 1, and elsewhere. This creates options for customers and businesses alike. Enjoy some local food at our fine establishments. I know I will.
Photo by Dan Gold
