By Karen Martin
Businesses, town councilors, community leaders, and town staff gathered on October 28 at the Black Point Inn for the 40th anniversary of the Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO). The highlight of the evening was the SEDCO Board of Director’s recognition of four outstanding local businesses based on a portfolio of characteristics including success, leadership, longevity, and community involvement.
Legacy Business: Al’s of Scarborough
Founded in 1982, Al’s is still family owned and operated, offering great food. They are first in line to help local organizations with donations of food and other support. Al’s diversified into catering and now caters functions all over Southern Maine. Most notably, Al’s has supplied pizza dough for the Portland Seadogs baseball games for 30 years. Larry Smith accepted the award, acknowledging that it is his staff that make the business a success.
Outstanding Business: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Opening in 2019, Nothing Bundt Cakes needed to introduce themselves to the community at a time when the food industry was under stress from the pandemic and looking for new ways to deliver goods and services. They made a clear connection by helping out organizations with fund raisers and events. Jonathan Carr, the owner, accepted the award on behalf of his company and staff.
Outstanding Business: Café Luna
From the moment its doors opened, Café Luna has had a full house. From friends and families gathering to relaxed business meetings – it’s all happening at Café Luna. Juliann Joy did her research and identified the characteristics that would make a great space in Scarborough. The launch has been so successful, a second Café Luna is now open in Falmouth.
Project of the Year: Higgins Beach Market
The Higgins Beach Market, an iconic place for Scarborough visitors and residents alike, was torn down and rebuilt in 2025. The market, owned by Chris Owens and operated by Big Tree Hospitality, was designed and built by Eider Construction of Scarborough. It is the same size as the original, but the interior space is better designed for its purpose. The SEDCO board recognized the Higgins Beach Market for rebuilding a classic building while keeping its character and existing footprint.
The event also featured a presentation by Karen Martin, SEDCO’s executive director, on growth trends and research on why people move to Maine. The presentation is available online at sedcomaine.org.
Commenting on the event, SEDCO Board Chair Jon Crasnick said, “The Board’s favorite activity is providing recognition to local businesses, small and large, that have built great businesses with deep connections to our great community.”
The evening at the Black Point Inn is made possible by the sponsorships provided by local businesses. Their donations subsidize the tickets to make the evening accessible to community leaders and businesses of all sizes. The Board would like to thank and recognize these generous sponsors, listed below.
Karen Martin is Executive Director of Scarborough Economic Development Corporation.
