Iconic “Rooster Brother” Roastery & Kitchen Store in Ellsworth on the Market

The iconic Rooster Brother shop in Ellsworth, known as “The Store for Cooks and Those Who Love Them,” is on the market. With its charming atmosphere, diverse product range, and commitment to quality, Rooster Brother has become a culinary destination for local residents, returning summer folk, and tourists. The proximity to Acadia National Park makes it a prime pitstop for tourists.

The offering includes the real estate, inventory, and a turnkey operation with approximately three million dollars in annual sales and a solid base of returning customers. “It is amazing how fast the word spread regarding Rooster Brother being for sale,” says Janet Moore, a broker with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty who is representing the sellers alongside Laura Pellerano. “We are delighted that there is astounding response and queries are coming in from potential buyers and Maine commercial brokers.”

Located on the banks of the Union River on .83 acres, the stately 12,000 + square foot Victorian building dates to 1893, which was then the largest wooden building in Ellsworth and was known as the Odd Fellows Hall. There is ample parking, a lawn with picnic tables, 200 feet of water frontage, and an impressive July traffic count of 18,000 vehicles per day.

Rooster Brother has very strong financials, comprehensive retail systems, intellectual property, commercial kitchen equipment, and extensive inventory as part of this attractive opportunity. On the lower level, you will find specialty foods, wine and cheeses, baked goods, and the Roasting Room. One of the standout features is the on-site coffee roastery. The Roasting Room sources high-quality beans from around the world and carefully roasts them to perfection. The coffee never disappoints.

With a cup of coffee in hand, customers browse the second floor of specialty cookware, table settings, gadgets galore, linens, and beautiful things for the home. The third level contains a commercial baking kitchen, inventory storage, and more retail space.

The sellers, Pamela and George Elias, started Rooster Brother 37 years ago. They were the 2023 recipients of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Top Drawer Award, a testament to years of hard work and commitment to the local community.

“They’re local people,” says Pellerano. “Pamela started a small housewares store and George joined in. It’s grown substantially over the years.” The Eliases brought in lines of specialty foods at a time, before the internet, when it was difficult to get them. Moore noted that the Eliases also made a point of showcasing local products.

“I can attest that if you get pecans there, they are probably the freshest pecans you’ve ever had,” Pellerano added. “They test everything that comes through the store. They vet it and they do their research.”

The store has just over 20 employees. “Pam and George always treated their employees very well,” said Pellerano. “They provide health insurance and retirement benefits. They’re a small employer, but they’re very concerned for their employees.”

The Eliases decided to sell because it was time to move on to other endeavors, says Pellerano. They will continue to operate the store throughout the sale process.

“They really want somebody who will be a good steward for the business and continue it on,” she said. “They’re very consistent in what they do. That’s what people really like. They know they’re going to get the quality.”

The real estate and the business are offered together for $2,900,000. The business itself is offered at $1,800,000 (including inventory, intellectual property, and all equipment and systems in place) and the real estate is offered at $1,100,000.

Learn more about the listing at 29 Main Street in Ellsworth here.