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Castine waterfront food stand is closing

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 20:29 GMT by Bangor Daily News
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Safe Harbor Café’s Castine Take‑Out Location to Shut Its Doors

In a move that has surprised many of the town’s residents, the Take‑Out branch of the beloved Safe Harbor Café is set to close at the end of September. The decision, announced on the café’s Facebook page earlier this week, comes after a difficult conversation between owner Marlene “Marl” Johnson and the landlord at the 125‑foot‑square‑meter storefront on Main Street. While the main restaurant—still open at 32 Main Street—will continue to serve its classic breakfast and lunch fare, the additional take‑out location will see its last customers on Saturday, Sept. 8.

A Legacy of Local Flavor

Safe Harbor Café first opened its doors in 1999, a year after Johnson, who grew up in a family that ran a small diner on the coast, decided to bring a taste of home to Castine. Over the last 26 years the café has become more than a place to grab coffee; it’s a gathering spot for town meetings, a favorite stop for visiting sailors, and the go‑to spot for a hearty breakfast before a day at the harbor.

In a recent interview for the Bangor Daily News, Johnson reminisced, “We’ve had a few great owners, but I’ve been here since the café was built. It’s more than a business—it's a community hub. We’ve seen generations of families eat here, and I’m proud to have contributed to that tradition.”

The take‑out location, which first opened in 2014, was intended to serve the growing demand for quick, on‑the‑go meals during the town’s busy summer season. Its menu was a condensed version of the main café’s offerings, featuring signature items such as the “Seaside Breakfast” (scrambled eggs, fresh bacon, and a side of homemade fruit jam) and the “Captain’s Sandwich” (roast turkey, avocado, bacon, and cheddar on toasted sourdough). The café’s online presence, including a robust Instagram feed and a well‑maintained Facebook page, helped attract tourists and locals alike.

The Road to Closure

The decision to shutter the take‑out location is rooted in several factors that were first mentioned in the café’s announcement. Johnson explained that the lease for the Main Street storefront was up for renewal in early September, and the landlord’s proposed rent increase of 18% was simply unsustainable given the café’s current revenue streams. “I’ve tried to make a case for a smaller increase, but it looks like we’re either on a 12‑month lease or we’re out of business,” Johnson told the news outlet.

The pandemic’s lingering impact on foot traffic and the town’s evolving tourism demographics also contributed to the closure. According to the Maine Tourism Board, Castine’s visitor numbers dipped 23% in 2023 compared to the pre‑pandemic peak of 2020, a trend that has continued into the summer of 2025. In addition, the café’s owners had recently struggled to recruit new staff for the take‑out outlet; the younger generation in the area, as noted in a recent survey conducted by the Castine Chamber of Commerce, is less inclined to work in part‑time, fast‑turnover positions such as those required for the take‑out model.

The café’s official statement also highlighted logistical challenges. “The layout of the take‑out building does not allow for efficient service of the full menu,” Johnson said. “Customers are often left waiting, which impacts satisfaction and sales. We’re not able to make the necessary upgrades without additional capital.”

Impact on Staff and Customers

The announcement has left a wave of concern among the café’s 12‑person staff. For many, the take‑out location provided a stable source of income, and its closure means they will need to seek other employment or consolidate into the main location. “We’ve been told the main location has a limited number of shifts left, so I’m trying to figure out what my next steps are,” said long‑time employee Kevin O’Leary, who has worked there since 2017.

Despite the uncertainty, Johnson has committed to helping her employees transition. “I’ve spoken with my staff and will provide references for those looking for other roles in the hospitality industry,” she said. “We’re exploring options to help as many of you as possible.”

Customers, too, are taking notice. A handful of loyal patrons were spotted gathering near the storefront on Thursday, clutching mugs of coffee and sharing bittersweet farewells. “I’ve come here for breakfast every Sunday since I moved to Castine,” said local resident Maria Gonzales. “It’s tough, but I’m proud of the people who’ve served me for so long.”

Looking Ahead

While the take‑out location’s closure marks the end of an era for the café, Johnson remains optimistic about the future. “The main café still has plenty of room to grow,” she said. “We’re planning to open a new food‑truck that will serve the same menu as the take‑out but with a more flexible model. We’re also hoping to partner with local producers for fresh ingredients.”

In addition to the café’s own plans, the town’s tourism board has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. The “Community Resilience Fund,” a public‑private partnership, will offer low‑interest loans and grants to businesses that can demonstrate sustainable plans for the future.

As the last customers walk out of the 125‑foot‑square‑meter storefront on Saturday, the community will undoubtedly feel a palpable sense of loss. Yet, the resilient spirit that has carried Safe Harbor Café from its humble beginnings to the present day continues to resonate. For now, the café will focus on its flagship location, its loyal customers, and the possibility of a new culinary venture that may one day bring a familiar aroma back to the streets of Castine.