O
n a quiet September night in 2018, a message on the Portland Food Map site caught our eye. Unlike the usual spam, Jessica Estes—broker at The Boulos Company—offered a clear vision: a commercial‑real‑estate directory tailored to Portland’s food and dining scene. Over the next months, that idea crystallized into the monthly Restaurant Real Estate List.

    Now more than six years later, the list is a go‑to resource for café, bakery, bar, and restaurant owners seeking the right space. A recent success story is Luncheonette. Owners Angela Lee and Alex LeBlanc discovered the former Union Bagel location in the September 2024 edition. “We had no idea where to start,” LeBlanc recalls. “Google searches led nowhere, lease terms were confusing. Then we found Portland Food Map’s listings, and everything clicked.” They waited each month for new listings, and when 147 Cumberland Ave became available, they met Paul from Union Bagel. Nine months later, Luncheonette thrives, and they now understand the difference between triple‑net and modified‑gross leases.

    Initially focused on Portland, the list now covers the Greater Portland area, Kingfield, and the Midcoast. It features properties from local agencies and independent owners who manage their own leases.

    The Boulos Company, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has a long history of helping businesses secure storefronts. Joe Boulos, later joined by his brother Greg, guided companies like David Turin to landmark locations in the 1990s. Their expertise in lease negotiations has helped countless owners navigate complex terms. Since Jessica’s first email, Portland Food Map’s partnership with The Boulos Company has evolved from a sponsorship to a strategic alliance that supports our mission. Their support fuels our printed pocket guides, which many local entrepreneurs rely on for quick reference.

    We are grateful for their ongoing support, which keeps the Food Map vibrant and useful. If you’re looking for a new space, reach out to Boulos—they’re ready to help. Contact them at boulos.com, 207‑772‑1333, or @thebouloco.