FoodWorks, at 59 India Street, is Tucked Away Behind Several Other More VIsible Sorefronts.

A FoodWorks Padtron Enjoys a Sandwich in the Outside Patio at FoodWorks Recently.

Tucked away behind several other more visible storefronts on India Street is a popular lunch spot for area office workers as well as area residents is FoodWorks – a long-time staple of the east end with a reputation for a very good menu of soups, sandwiches and salads.  This blogger has frequented FoodWorks to enjoy its chicken noodle soup – heavy on the tender chicken and light on the noodles – a perfect mix.

Like other food venues not located on the waterfront, it is facing unique challenges to its bottom line. It was recently reported elsewhere that southern Maine has one of the highest rates of remote workers in the country; 18% of the workforce is remote.  One of the owners of FoodWorks admitted that fact has had a negative impact on its bottom line.  People who work remotely are less apt to patronize lunch spots when working remotely.  The subject came up when a woman who works for WEX came in to pick up her order to go.  She acknowledged that she works remotely often – thus reducing her use of lunch spots.  “The food is better here than at Navis Cafe,” she added as she left to return to work.

The owner also admitted that the cost of food and inflation in general has had a negative impact on FoodWorks bottom line. Unfortunately, the owner has been unable to contain her disdain for VP Harris – saying on one occasion that if anyone thinks she is in  favor of small businesses, they are wrong. On my way out the door earlier this week afer enjoying a bowl of chicken noodle soup, She shouted after me sourly  I know who you are:  “You have anti-Trump stickers on your car.”

That was my last bowl of CN Soup at FoodWorks.  I will miss the soup, but not the pro-Trump agenda the owner promotes.

Please visit post herein dated October 5, 2024 for a related story entitled:  “Location Matters for Restaurants During Uncertain Days.”