Announcing the Maine Hospitality Resilience Project
Keeping Maine’s Heart Beats Strong:
If you’ve been following along with us here at Munchies in Maine, you know that our passion goes far beyond grabbing a great bite or discovering the next best cocktail. For us, dining out is about the experience, the energy, and—above all—the incredible people behind the scenes. From the line cooks and rockstar servers to the independent innkeepers and neighborhood taproom owners, hospitality workers are the backbone of Maine's local culture.
As peak summer tourism winds down and the quiet New England winter sets in, our local food, beverage, and lodging spots face immense pressure. While seasonal closures and quiet dining rooms have always been part of Maine’s rhythm, changing economic realities make surviving the off-season tougher than ever for small, independent operators.
We can’t sit by and watch our favorite local haunts struggle to keep their doors open. That’s why we’re thrilled to launch our newest initiative: The Maine Hospitality Resilience Project.
What is the Maine Hospitality Resilience Project?
The Maine Hospitality Resilience Project is an initiative built specifically to support small, independent hospitality businesses through the state's most challenging months.
When summer visitors head home, operating costs and heating bills spike while foot traffic drops sharply. Our goal is to bridge that seasonal gap. Through direct off-season promotional campaigns, targeted digital marketing boosts, and community-driven funding efforts, we are stepping up to give local spots the resources and visibility they need to stay open, maintain staff, and thrive year-round.
Why It Matters to Us
Maine's hospitality scene isn't just an industry; it's our community gathering space. It’s where memories are made, birthdays are celebrated, and neighbors reconnect after a long day. Keeping these doors open year-round ensures:
Stable year-round jobs for hardworking service personnel and crew.
Vibrant downtowns and harbors that stay alive, warm, and welcoming through every season.
Sustained support for local farms, fisheries, and vendors who rely on local kitchens to purchase their product year-round.
How You Can Get Involved
We’re rallying food lovers, locals, and community supporters across the state to stand behind the places that make Maine so special. Here is how you can help right away:
Follow along: Follow us on facebook: facebook.com/MaineHospitalityResilienceProject and check out our new initiative hub at mainehospitalityresilienceproject.org to follow updates and discover participating spots.
Dine and stay local this winter: Commit to visiting local restaurants, ordering takeaway, and taking off-season staycations when small businesses need it most.
Spread the word: Share our updates, tag your favorite local establishments, and help us reach business owners who could benefit from off-season marketing support and grants.
Let’s keep the lights on, the kitchens humming, and our New England hospitality scene thriving together.
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