Bangor, Maine’s Gets New Purveyor Of Fine Food, Wine & Cookware In Familiar Spot

Last December, Eric and Christine Mihan, the long-time owners of Bangor Wine & Cheese, a specialty shop that operated out of the Hammond Street storefront for 15 years, announced on social media that they would be closing their doors for good at the end of 2024, and handing the reigns of the wine & cheese biz over to a trusted and local lady, Annie Cutler.

"We will continue to see you all in the community, of course, but I will be moving on from being here behind the counter at BWC at the end of this year... Please give Annie and her staff all the love you’ve shown us, and I know you’ll be rewarded in droves... the store will reopen under the new management early in the New Year."

Cutler and her husband, local restauranteur Robert Cutler, have prior experience with the food and beverage industry and are currently connected to Novio's Bistro, right up the road at 130 Hammond Street, among other local eateries in Penobscot County.

They're known for keeping it local, often utilizing local vendors and farmers as suppliers.

The new store, now called Sunbury's, opened quietly in February, with a new look and a fresh perspective, and started to find its feet.

Cutler and her crew are ready now to make their presence known, by holding an official Grand Opening celebration this coming weekend.

The folks from the Downtown Bangor Partnership are helping to spread the news online and welcome the new business to the downtown community.

"Sunbury's, a wine, fine foods, and kitchenware store, located at 86 Hammond Street, welcomes you to stop in for a visit this weekend for their Grand Opening celebration where you can try some of their tasty treats and see demonstrations. This is the spot to pick up Le Creuset, Riedel - The Wine Glass Company, get your knives sharpened, and more! "

The celebration will take place over 2 days; Saturday April 12th from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday April 13th from 11 AM to 4 PM. There will be wine tastings, espresso and tea demos, product raffles and samplings of food and beverages.

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To hear more about what Cutler is hoping to bring to the Bangor area with the addition of Sunbury's to the downtown area, you can listen to a the Cocktails With Friends Podcast, hosted by her husband, where she breaks it all down for us.

Along with the first-floor storefront, there Cutler is also creating an intimate space for small gatherings and tastings.

"A highlight of Sunbury’s is its dedicated tasting room on the fourth floor, which will host regular wine tastings, cheese pairings, cocktail classes, and other workshops. The space will also double as an event venue for intimate gatherings, like bridal showers and private classes. Annie’s vision for Sunbury’s extends beyond the shop itself—it’s about fostering connection and inspiring creativity in the community."