Forage opened in Lewiston in spring 2012 as a specialty market with a bakery. Over time the bakery and quick serve fresh foods took over and although “market” is still in our name we are now a cafe and bakery in practice. In 2018 we opened our Portland location to bring our unique bagels to a wider audience. 

Forage Market seeks a creative and highly motivated professional to lead our Portland store.
 

In Portland, Forage operates from one of the best properties on the peninsula. Large windows and high ceilings create a very pleasant work space. We share the space with our customers in an open bakery concept that allows our visitors to watch the bagels being made. The bagels are hand rolled on a large bakery table. After two days aging in a retarder they are boiled and then baked in a custom wood fired oven from Spain. Ample onsite parking is convenient for both staff and customers. 

The store manager will join a team of two managers and two owners who are responsible for all aspects of the operation and improvement of the business in our two locations. The Portland manager will need to be able to balance independent decision making with the need to work collaboratively with this team. 

The managers and owners work together to lead our 40+ employees. Ensuring a quality work environment is a top priority for the owners and managers.The Portland employees are an awesome group of creative, intelligent and independent people. A high level of emotional intelligence is necessary to lead effectively.

Managers are a part of the employee team and may be expected to take on floor positions as needed. Comfort with commercial cafe, kitchen and/or bakery spaces is an essential characteristic.

The Portland manager will work to strengthen systems already in place and to make strategic improvements and additions. The goal is continuous improvement of customer and employee experiences.

Two years of ups and downs of COVID have slowed our pace leaving us with lots of business potential that has not been realized. Increasing efficiency and pursuing new business opportunities will define success in this role. 

Forage offers competitive pay and benefits packages to all our employees. The Portland manager position will be compensated based on past work experiences and demonstrated potential. Opportunities for advancement are excellent. Long term, the potential for profit sharing or an ownership stake exists for a very successful candidate.

Maine is a great place to work and live and Portland is at the center of a dynamic food culture. Portland is a perfectly sized town with great restaurants, abundant breweries and numerous cultural activities. Outdoor recreational opportunities are close by with the ocean on our doorstep and the mountains not far away. 

Whitney Pelletier and Allen Smith, Co-owners of Forage Market