Milly’s Market, a boutique grocery store on the first floor of The Casco. is having its grand opening on Tuesday, July 29. morning, according to Matt Manson, owner of this light and bright addition to the east end community in Portland.  Matt plans for opening day to be a “soft opening” – to give his staff an opportunity to learn what customers want and to work out any kinks before they develop.  Located at 201 Federal Street, he hopes to draw patrons from both the high rise in which Milly’s is located as well as businesses in the area..

Matt is not new to the retail grocery business.  He and his wife own a store in Auburn.  It began a few years ago as a fresh produce farm stand and evolved into a grocery store similar to Milly’s.  Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce is managed by Colleen Labbee.  That is where Chris, one of Matt’s brothers is employed..  The produce at that location comes largely from Matt’s vegetable farm in Auburn..

The inventory is large with over 100 vendors supplying a wide range of products,.  Seventy of those vendors are Maine farms that supply all manner of produce; blueberries, avocados, strawberries, green salads – you want it, it’s there!  At one end of the 2,300 sq. ft. Market is the bakery department.  It is run by Meghan McKellick, the baker for the Market.  She will bake cookies, muffins and brownies on a daily basis.   Meghan shares her space with a Carrabasett Coffee Company coffee dispenser.   At the opposite end from Meghan’s bakery there are even a few shelves containing pottery from “Muddy Toes Pottery,” based in New Gloucester.  And don’t forget a large selection of wine and beer somewhere in the middle.  There’s lots more to peruse on shelves built by Aaron, another of the three brothers.

Milly’s Market ? – the name is a contraction of the couple’s two young children’s names – .  Madison and Billy.   Although Milly’s lacks the parking space of other similar entities, it is within walking distance for many who will find its convenience and accessibility easily overrides the lack of parking spaces.  Long check-out lines found at some local chain stores do not appear to be an isssue here with plenty of check-out stations scattered around the premises.  Milly’s will be open daily – Tuesday from Sunday from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.  On Sunday, Milly’s will be open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Closed on Monday..

“We are thrilled to have Milly’s on the first floor of The Casco,” said Jonathan Culley of Redfern Properties.  “This will be a real asset to the area.”

This blogger took many photographs, but unfortunately is havig difficulty posting them to this story.  Will continue to work to resolve that issue!