Local Butcher Secures Space at 10 Cotton Street in Portland, ME 

The Whole Animal Butcher Shop and Sandwich Counter Aims to Open Summer 2026 

Portland, ME (March 2026) – The Boulos Company represented both the landlord and tenant in executing a 4,606± square feet lease for retail/restaurant space at 10 Cotton Street in Portland, Maine. The new tenant plans to open a whole animal butcher shop and counter service sandwich concept in July 2026. 

After more than a year of searching, lessee Chris Wilcox identified 10 Cotton Street as the ideal location to bring his concept to life. The property’s historic character, functional layout, and outdoor patio aligned closely with his vision. 

“After searching for 18 months, we were pretty excited to find 10 Cotton Street,” said Wilcox. “It’s a beautiful old building that definitely feels like you are in Portland, Maine. We love that. It also has a fenced-in patio for outdoor dining in the warmer months and all the bones we need to execute the business we have in mind.” 

The new concept will operate as a full-service butcher shop, sourcing whole animals directly from Maine farms. They also plan to offer a counter-service sandwich program showcasing housemade cold cuts, sausages, and charcuterie, alongside a curated selection of prepared foods and condiments. Central to the shop’s business model is a commitment to zero-waste practices. They plan to utilize the entire animal by rendering beef fat for cooking, producing stocks and broths from bones, and creating pet food and chews from lesser-known cuts to ensure minimal waste while maximizing product use. 

“I’ve worked with Chris for several years now and understand how pivotal the space itself is in the execution of his business plan,” says The Boulos Company’s Jon Rizzo, SIOR, who represented the tenant in this sale. “The aesthetics and flow of the interior of the space, outdoor dining option, and location of 10 Cotton Street is going to fit nicely with his concept. We were thoughtful in identifying a convenient location that will allow for customers to enjoy a sit-down meal in downtown Portland, or easy access to prepared food and butcher shop to-go items if they are short on time or on their way to another destination. I’m excited for Sawyer’s to open this summer.”   

The space will undergo select renovations ahead of opening, including removing an interior wall to create a more open layout. Plans also include installing a large, maple butcher block island behind the counter, which will let customers observe the butchering and production processes firsthand. 

The landlord was represented by Drew Sigfridson, SIOR, and Nate Stevens, and the tenant was represented by Jon Rizzo, SIOR, all of The Boulos Company.

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