Farmers’ Gate Market opens retail butcher shops in Leeds and Durham

Customers check out the offerings at the new Farmers’ Gate Market in Leeds. Submitted photo

Farmers’ Gate Market, a longtime whole-animal butcher shop, has moved from Wales to Buckley Farms at 1313 Route 106 in Leeds. The new owners have also built a second retail meat shop on Old Crow Ranch, 427 Davis Road, in Durham.

Seren Sinisi, from left, Steve Sinisi, Aaron Buckley and Rebecca Buckley in front of the new Farmers’ Gate Market, 1033 Route 106, Leeds. Submitted photo

In August 2022, Aaron and Rebecca Buckley of Buckley Farms in Leeds and Steve and Seren Sinisi of Old Crow Ranch in Durham teamed up to buy Farmers’ Gate Market from Ben Slayton.

Old Crow Ranch is a pasture-based livestock farm that focuses mainly on pork and grass-fed beef. Buckley Farms is a fourth generation farm that primarily grows grass-fed beef, concentrating on regenerative practices. Those include reducing the use of chemicals and pesticides, prioritizing soil health, managing where and how long animals forage, and relying more on animal manure to keep pastures healthy.

The new owners describe meat processing in the state as “scarce,” adding they recognize how important it is to maintain Farmers’ Gate Market as a meat-cutting and resale resource, providing people with local, wholesome meats.

Farmers’ Gate Market only sells Maine grown meats cut weekly by an experienced staff of butchers. Customers can expect 100% grass-fed beef and pasture-based pork and poultry. The owners said their approach and beliefs best support a sustainable, regenerative agriculture future.

Local pork, beef, chicken, lamb and other local products are available at both locations.

Store hours in Leeds are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday; 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday.

Store hours in Durham are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday; noon to 4 p.m. Thursday; 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tractor Supply store coming to Turner

Local officials have confirmed that plans are underway to build a Tractor Supply store in Turner. Submitted photo

The Buzz can confirm a new Tractor Supply store is planned at 1600 Auburn Road in Turner, once permits are secured with state and local officials. The matter has yet to go before the Planning Board.

The description provided by developer Primax Properties of Charlotte, North Carolina, indicates the store would be 21,930 square feet, with a 19,870 square foot fenced, outdoor display area with a 3,672 square foot garden center, which is slightly bigger than the typical Tractor Supply Store, according to its latest annual report.

An official with Primax Properties said they would like to be open by the end of the year. A public comment period is open during the application process and anyone can request a public hearing in writing. Requests must be made within 20 days after the application has been accepted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Tractor Supply Co. says it is the largest operator of rural lifestyle retail stores in America, with more than 2,000 stores in 49 states. There are 20 stores in Maine.

The Cage has reopened under new ownership

The Cage on Ash Street in Lewiston has reopened under new ownership. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file

The new owners are old regulars at The Cage. Kevin Barrett and Steve Beaulieu recently purchased The Cage from Denis Webber and Randy Collins, whose last day as proprietors was Feb. 15.

The Cage was closed for about three-and-a-half weeks, Beaulieu told The Buzz on Tuesday, while permits and licenses were obtained.

While The Cage reopened March 9, the new owners are planning a grand opening Saturday, getting back into the rhythm of things with live music by the band Whiskey Dan.

The kitchen is closed temporarily while it gets a deep clean, a little reorganization and a little time for Beaulieu and Barrett to work on a basic, new menu. They hope to reopen the kitchen in a few weeks.

The motivation behind the decision to purchase the bar is weighted on the sentimental side, but both owners are successful businessmen in the construction industry and hope to make it a successful business venture.

When a deal to purchase the bar in January fell through, it seemed inevitable The Cage would close.

“We talked about it,” Beaulieu said Tuesday. “We decided to keep The Cage open because it’s our hometown bar. Our friends go there, it’s more of a community opportunity.”

They’ve made some minor changes geared toward making it easier for the employees to do their jobs, but Beaulieu said their plan is to keep The Cage, The Cage. The community feel that drew them to buy the bar is what the new owners would like to expand on in the near future.

For now, the long tradition of live music lives on this weekend.

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com