BUXTON — The Buxton Common (website, Facebook, Instagram), a new restaurant, tavern and smokehouse in Buxton, is officially open for business.

Designed to be a welcoming gathering spot for the growing Buxton community, the 74-seat casual restaurant is located at 1420 Long Plains Road in a newly renovated 18^th century home (formerly the Mustard House antique shop).

The brain child of Max Brody, a 25-year veteran of the culinary industry, a sense of community was a major inspiration for the restaurant.

”The words “town common” convey a place where neighbors come to meet, visit, and share a drink or a meal,” said Brody. “We are honoring that in every way we can.”

To that end, Brody has immersed himself in the neighborhood. He is sourcing food and beverages from area growers, brewers, distillers, producers and purveyors. Most of the staff is local, and several area artisans participated in the building restoration. From the bar crafted out of original hand-hewn beams to the repurposed interior trim, every aspect of the project was based on an emphasis on community.

The menu features familiar entrees like steak, fish and pasta dishes, as well as burgers and snacks. An on-site smoker means spareribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and beef brisket are menu staples. Brody also brings influences from his travels and previous culinary experiences to the menu.

“Some of the uniqueness in the menu is found in the presentation,” explains Brody. “For example, our ‘boards are larger multi-item appetizers that include cured meats, pickled vegetables, grilled bread and biscuits. We’ve also been creative with menu items like shrimp and grits, cheddar cornbread waffles, and barbecue tofu skewers.”

Easily accessible from Gorham, Westbrook, Dayton Hollis, and Standish and just a pleasant ride away for those in Scarborough, Saco, Biddeford and Portland, the Buxton Common is poised to be a not-so-well-kept secret, and Brody is enthusiastic about bringing a new dining option to Buxton and the surrounding communities.

“My last restaurant was in a similar, growing, but somewhat unknown, rural area,” said Brody. “I like being a bit off the beaten path, and I believe that the menu and the ambience are a nice complement to what’s already in and around Buxton. With the comfortable bar and the warren of cozy dining rooms, I hope we have created an inviting spot for a drink after work, family dinner, date night or celebration. Later this summer, we will be serving brunch as well.”

As part of his commitment to embracing the community, Brody is offering several special services:

Lunch Delivery

Available during regular business hours. The service will start with the strip on route 22 from the Jetport to Gorham Mercy health clinic and expand from there based on demand.

Catering

Full-service catering for off-site events.

Semi-Private Dining

Because of the way the way the house is configured, three areas offer semi-private dining, available on request.

Take Out

The Buxton Common will offer take away service. Call-in orders will be accepted and ready for pickup during regular business hours.

Regular Hours at The Buxton Common 

Tuesday – Thursday: kitchen 4:30 to 9 p.m.; bar until 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: kitchen 4:30 to 9 p.m.; bar until last call

A Sunday: brunch schedule will be announced.