The Buzz: Mmm pie, yeah art! and go-go autos

It’s one sweet expansion.

Nick Benoit, the owner of Benoit’s Bakery & Wine Cellar in Lisbon, is opening a second bakery in Naples. He’s named it Pretentious Pie Co.

Benoit said someone suggested the area for all its summer traffic. When he scoped it out, “Naples was packed.”

Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the new bakery will be at Routes 11 and 302 in the former Antique Revival building. It’ll have pies by the slice to grab and go, crepes and a crepe bar, a full bakery and live music on the weekends.

Benoit anticipates hiring 10 people, part time.

“I have a month to crack everything out,” he said.

Get your paint on . . .

Coming soon to Lisbon Street: Avant-Garde Maine.

Owner Nichole Bouyea signed the lease this week for her new shop that’s headed to 182 Lisbon St. It’s the former home of Downtown Handmade & Vintage.

It’s part art studio, part art experience. Bouyea said instructional classes for ages K to 12 will start in August or September and Paint Party Nights will start this summer.

According to her website, the shop will also offer mommy and me art projects three times a week — reserve a spot or drop in.

She’s shooting for a June opening.

. . . then get your motor running (twice)

Advance Auto Parts inked a deal last month to move into the Midtown Plaza in Lisbon Falls, according to CBRE/The Boulos Company. That’s the same plaza as Family Dollar.

Andrew Ingalls brokered the deal for the 8,100-square-foot store. The company has more than 5,200 stores, according to its website, 16 of them in Maine.

Advance Auto Parts spokeswoman Laurie Stacy said this one is considered a relocation — it means CARQUEST Auto Parts on Oak Street in Lisbon will close. Advance Auto bought CARQUEST’s parent company last year. The new location in the plaza will open this summer.

In more car news, AutoZone spokesman Ray Pohlman said the new AutoZone headed to Center Street is one of 150 that chain is opening this year. It’ll open in mid- to late-August and employ at least 10 people, seven of them full time.

Quick hits about business comings, goings and happenings. Have a Buzz-worthy tip? Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or [email protected]