Dear friends,

    As many of you have recently wondered and asked about, yes, it's true. At the end of business Saturday, October 31st, Sage Market officially closed it's doors. After almost 4 years of joyfully providing the Midcoast with hard-to-find cheese and salami, value-driven wines under $10, and (we think) exceptional coffee, we are turning off the lights one last time. These days the news is filled with stories of businesses blaming their poor sales on the "economy," as if some vicious, invisible monster has been gobbling up small, family-run businesses without judgement or care. Though, like many, a significant drop in sales has greatly affected our store, we would like to avoid that cliche rhetoric. Financial reasons are still a contributing factor in our decision, but the move to close now has been driven by actions out of our control. Since we have opened, we have depended on a local "Community Bank" to provide us with the capital to grow and conduct business. Recently, that bank has chosen to end their support of us, in a reversal of lending practices obliquely described to us as being due to "the economy" (there's that scary monster we mentioned). While we understand that, as for all businesses, the banks' own desperate times call for prudent decisions and careful planning, we are very disappointed and sad that their decision includes shutting down Sage Market. We also greatly regret having misled our customers over the last few days, but did so to protect our staff and their future paychecks.

   On a much more positive note, our sister business, Brevetto, is doing better than ever! We will still be offering the same great artisan salami, cheeses, and rich espresso you've come to depend on Sage for, and we remain on the lookout for obscure Italian wines with which to stock our cellar. We also look forward to seeing many of the same friendly faces at Brevetto that have supported us at Sage over the years. If you haven't yet been to Brevetto, stop by Monday through Saturday for dinner, a drink, or just to say "hi". We're open from 5pm until 9pm week nights, with our bar serving food and drinks late on Friday and Saturday.

   We want everyone to know how much we have appreciated and counted on your overwhelming support through the years, your passion for all things delicious, and your love of a full life. On behalf of Sage Market, our amazing (past and present) staff, and our family behind the scenes, we thank you.

— Tara and Josh, Managing Owners   

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