Photo / Courtesy, Libby & Son
Libby & Son U-Picks, in the western York County town of Limerick, has been a multi-generational family-owned and -operated farm since 1999, growing fruit there since the 1950s.
June 25, 2025
Friday Food Insider: Bye-bye, Dizzy Birds in Biddeford and u-pick season at Limerick farm
Photo/ Courtesy Tom Peacock
Dizzy Birds Rotisserie, located at 65 Main St. in Biddeford, recently closed after six years in business.
This is turning out to be a cruel summer for chicken dinners and pick-your-own fruit.
In Biddeford, Dizzy Birds Rotisserie recently closed after six years in business while still taking catering orders through the end of July. And in Limerick, Libby & Son U-Picks has closed for the season, citing financial challenges.
Dizzy Birds, a fast-casual eatery, had served up hearty comfort fare including chicken dinners and pot pies plus corn bread, macaroni and cheese and shepherd's pie. The business opened in 2019.
Tom Peacock, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Barb, cited a whole host of reasons for the closure including a drop in sales, ongoing public works and traffic disruptions, lower tourism, and a flood that caused equipment to malfunction.
"Drivers from our delivery partners would often refuse orders from this end of town as they will not meet their delivery targets if they are stuck in traffic," he told Mainebiz in an email.
"Tourism is down in the state, which will impact businesses this summer," he added. "We needed to be sure that we were well-positioned going into the summer. Reading the tea leaves, I didn’t have confidence that we would be able to execute the program to our standards going forward."
With an eye toward getting into franchising, he said, "Immediate plans are to regroup and see how the wind blows."
The business closed temporarily in December and reopened in February of this year, offering only takeout. The owners are now looking to lease the 2,500-square-foot space. They are also holding a sale of equipment for restaurant industry professionals this weekend, to be followed by a public cash-and-carry sale of retail and frozen inventory.
End of an era in Limerick
Blaming financial difficulties, Libby & Son U-Picks in Limerick has ended its 2025 season.
"Despite record attendance and overwhelming support from our community, the financial challenges we’ve faced have simply become too great," the owners said in an announcement.
"Expenses have skyrocketed, and difficulties came at us from every direction," they added." Sadly, even our best efforts and incredible turnout weren’t enough to overcome them.
The family-owned business grows several types of fruit, and was named the country's No. 1 apple orchard in 2023.
As for the fruit, the owners said they have lost critical time and missed key opportunities for care.
"As things stand today, there is uncertainty surrounding all our assets, including this year’s fruit crops," they said. "We’re taking it one day at a time."
Reader feedback
What's your favorite seasonal treat and new favorite summer spot? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
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