End of an Era: Iconic Maine Shop The Cheese Iron Is Closing

It's always sad when news breaks that a small business is shutting down. However, when it's one of your personal favorites, it's crushing.

And that is certainly the case with the announcement that one of the most beloved shops in Greater Portland will be closing.

The Cheese Iron in Scarborough, Maine, is Closing its Doors

This is exactly what I didn’t need to see over the weekend. It’s an absolute stunner for those of us who have visited this incredibly special spot right on Route 1.

It’s not an exaggeration to call The Cheese Iron iconic. The moment you walk into the store, you’re swept into the world of a specialty shop that hits every one of your senses perfectly.

Sure, there’s cheese (and plenty of it), but that’s just the beginning. We’re talking meat, wine, crackers, sweets, salads, gift baskets—literally everything someone would need to throw a fantastic party or simply enjoy a wonderful evening.

And then there are the gourmet sandwiches. Even though some of the finest cheeses around are there, the sandwiches might be the real highlight. They’re incredible. Turkey, Bella Mortadella, Italian, and the perfect Cubano are just some of the gems that I will certainly miss. And the bread they use only elevates them even more.

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While I’ll miss those wonderful sandwiches, I’ll also miss the entire shopping experience. How can you beat enjoying delicious cheese samples while also getting an education on which cheeses pair best with certain wines or foods? The knowledge inside that building is second to none.

The Cheese Iron Will Be Open Into the Spring, Before Closing for Good

While The Cheese Iron is closing, it will at least be open for a little while longer. The shop plans to close on May 16 when their lease runs out. That means there’s still time to stop in and enjoy this lovely institution a few more times.

Best of luck to Vince Maniaci and Jill Dutton, who have run this shop to perfection since it opened 20 years ago. I wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors. Their wonderful shop will be greatly missed.