When The Landmark closed in 2022 after 26 years, it was hard to imagine anything else at 29 East Grand Ave. in Old Orchard Beach.

The property was soon reimagined into a beer garden by Definitive Brewing, and it turned out to be a perfect location for that use. Footsteps from the beach and the main drag of downtown, the beer garden was a peaceful oasis with a chill vibe tucked away behind the beautiful Victorian building.

Lone Pine Brewing Company has now taken over the property. They will continue the beer garden and have put their own stamp on it, with picnic tables and cute A-frame dining shelters. Plans are in the works for indoor seating as well, and owner Tom Madden said he plans to open up a year-round indoor bar and restaurant in the former Landmark building in Mid-May or early June.

The beer garden had a soft opening last weekend, and beginning today, will be open through the rest of the summer from noon to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

 

Photo courtesy of Lone Pine Brewing website

Madden started Lone Pine Brewing in Portland in 2016 with high school friend John Paul. In 2018, the Brewer’s Association deemed it the fourth fastest growing craft brewery in the country.

The Old Orchard Beach beer garden is Lone Pine’s third location, with the others in Portland and Gorham. There will be a broad range of brews on tap, intentionally selected so there’s something for everyone, said Madden. There will also be wine, cocktails, kombucha and non-alcoholic beverages available, he said. Customers can also purchase four-packs and 12-packs to go.

Last year, Lone Pine Brewing produced 16,900 barrels of beer – with each barrel containing 31 gallons, said Madden. Lone Pine’s overall most popular beer is the Oh-J, an IPA with a citrusy flavor. Locally, the most popular is the Portland Pale Ale, brewed with Maine malt and hand-selected hops.

Lone Pine has firmly established itself as a brewery, and with the Old Orchard Beach location will dive into food service. The menu will include a mix of Maine staples, including red hot dogs and lobster rolls, as well as hot melt sandwiches, locally sourced salads, and later this summer, pizza. There will also be specials, including beer and lobster roll flight pairings and on-site ticketed lobster bakes.

“We’ve got a lot of fun plans for the summer,” said Madden.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.