Iconic Alfred Street business closes chapter in Biddeford

Bill Thorpe is calling it quits after four years in business at 44 Alfred St. in Biddeford.

Thorpe and his wife, Joyce, were busy packin’ it up and movin’ it out on April 2 at Dad’s Smoke Shop in anticipation of spending their retirement years traveling.

He had owned the shop for almost four years, but the business went up in smoke during the pandemic.

The store was a smoke shop when Thorpe bought it. Prior to that, it was a pharmacy known as George’s for 60 years.

Thorpe continued Dad’s Smoke Shop as a “retirement gig” after retiring from SD Warren.

“Dad” was Dan A. Ducharme, the original owner.

The building is now for sale; Thorpe said he’s not sure what kind of business will be taking over.

“Between the two of us, we didn’t have any time for ourselves,” he said. “It’s time for us to start enjoying ourselves.”

That means a couple’s trip to Florida, motorcycle rides and camping and traveling in their RV, which has been in mothballs for four years. Arizona, Michigan and Texas are some of the destinations on their itinerary.

Patrons could smoke at Dad’s, as smoking is permitted in licensed specialty tobacco shops in Maine. The store had seating for customers to enjoy their purchases and chat with other cigar aficionados.

“Sad news, wish you and your patrons the very best. I met some fantastic people in that shop,” wrote one customer in response to a Facebook post announcing the store’s closing.

As Thorpe smoked a cigar in the shop, Joyce was busy hauling the remnants of the business outside.

The couple is leaving the shop behind after the number of customers dwindled to the same 10 or 12 a day.

“I can’t support that,” Thorpe said.

Ann Fisher is a freelance journalist based in Saco. She can be reached at 432-7483.