Local Supporter Group Acquires 95-97 Darling Ave. To Facilitate Uninterrupted Operations
LOCAL SUPPORTER GROUP ACQUIRES 95-97 DARLING AVENUE IN SOUTH PORTLAND TO FACILITATE UNINTERRUPTED OPERATIONS FOR FORK FOOD LAB AND ITS MEMBERS, PRESERVING COMMUNITY JOBS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
A group of community stakeholders and local investors announced today that they acquired the Fork Food Lab building at 95-97 Darling Avenue in South Portland on Monday. As a result of this purchase, the pending foreclosure auction set for January 28th was avoided, and Fork Food Lab and its members are able to continue their operations uninterrupted with the building under new ownership.
"The closure of Fork Food Lab would have been a tragic loss to the shared-kitchen model and to the 80+ businesses that rely on the community space,” said Justin Alfond, an investor in the group that acquired the Darling Avenue property. "This investment is a testament to our belief in the Lab's mission and its role as a vital launchpad for local food entrepreneurs. Our priority is to ensure there is no interruption to services for the members while continuing to help Fork stabilize and continue its services into the future."
“The preservation of Fork Food Lab brings a profound sense of relief to Maine’s food community, ensuring that a critical anchor for our local economy remains intact,” said Corinne Tompkins, Interim Executive Director and Director of Member Services at Fork Food Lab. “By moving past the threat of foreclosure and securing our building, we have protected the essential infrastructure that has allowed hundreds of small businesses—from New Mainer startups to established food producers—to find a path forward.”
Tompkins continued, “This stability allows our members to focus on their craft rather than the fear of losing their workspace. We are stepping into this next chapter with a renewed focus, grateful that the heart of our mission has the breathing room it needs to continue supporting Maine's food producers, farmers, and the many projects we will see in the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to our members and supporters whose commitment during this uncertain time ensured that our doors remained open and a resource for all.”
The investor group, Darling Fork LLC, is composed of three community members and institutions – Justin Alfond, the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, and John Wasileski. Each investor has a long history of supporting Fork Food Lab and its mission to bolster the local food economy. This deal was also bolstered with the support and guidance of Coastal Enterprises Inc.