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July 7, 2014

Acadia shop plans to boost local food

The new concessioner for Acadia National Park is planning to source much of its food locally as part of a new “eco-store” initiative for the historic Jordan Pond House shop and restaurant.

The Mount Desert Islander reported that Dawnland LLC, run by New Mexico-based Ortega Family Enterprises, plans to source 100% of dairy products and seafood from Maine food producers by the 10th year of its newly signed contract with the National Park Service. The company also plans to source 55% of its meat and 75% of its produce from Maine by then.

The local food plan is part of Dawnland’s larger initiative to turn the Cadillac Mountain shop into an “eco-shop,” which includes more healthier food options, increased use of recyclable materials and a financial commitment to tribal art initiatives.

Ortega Family Enterprises won the federal park concessions contract to operate Jordan Pond House and other nearby gift shops last fall, displacing the park’s long-time concessioner, Acadia Corp., which was founded in 1932. The local company lost a court challenge to win back its contact, which it had held for more than 80 years, earlier this year.

 

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