Stonington restaurant closes, owner opens new venue in Bucksport
Stowaway’s Tavern to open in former MacLeod’s space in October
By Jenna Lookner
The former MacLeod’s Restaurant (blue building) has long been a fixture on Bucksport’s Main Street. Photo courtesy of Maine Real Estate Brokerage.
BUCKSPORT and STONINGTON — The owner of a now-shuttered Stonington restaurant has embarked on his next venture after purchasing the former MacLeod’s Restaurant at 63 Main St. in Bucksport.
Rob DeGennaro of Stonington has long owned restaurants in Maine and Florida, and his new venture—to be called “Stowaway’s Tavern and Ugly’s Bar”—is scheduled to open October 1. DeGennaro said he purchased the business and building, and had initially intended to operate both Stowaway’s and Crybabies in Stonington, which he opened in 2023. But, DeGennaro said, the Crybabies building needed work to meet code and the landlord declined to make the improvements.
“It forced us to close in Stonington,” DeGennaro told The Rising Tide. “We were going to do both restaurants, but we’re out of [Stonington] now and focusing [on Bucksport].”
MacLeod’s Restaurant operated in Bucksport since 1980 according to their website. DeGennaro said that the previous owner, George MacLeod, retired, prompting the sale of the business and building, but also the hope that a similarly-minded operator would continue the MacLeod’s legacy in their own way. The restaurant has been closed since April 1, according to a March report from the Bangor Daily News, citing a press release. Word of the closure of the beloved restaurant spread far and wide, even prompting a March 18 story by The Daily Mail.
MacLeod’s will now be named Stowaway’s Tavern and Ugly’s Bar. Photo courtesy of Maine Real Estate Brokerage.
DeGennaro said his team is making some changes to the interior of the former MacLeod’s and has already moved equipment, such as a point of sale system, to Bucksport. He said the renovation will “add some color and lighten things up.” Plans call for numerous televisions for sports fans to enjoy a game while dining in the 90-seat establishment.
DeGennaro said the name Stowaways was nautically inspired and will be part of the branding. He described a graphic of small critters peeking out of a barrel being transported over the sea.
“The name just came out of our heads,” he said. “We always try to do a name that includes little critters or something fun.”
He said that the menu has been fully designed and is currently at the printer.
He laughed as he described the impetus behind Ugly’s Tap Room, “It’s where everyone gets prettier!” he said of the bar.
DeGennaro said he has his sights set on a casual, family-friendly restaurant with accessible menu options for the whole family.
“We want kids and grownups alike,” he said. “We have a great kids’ menu, and the regular menu includes everything from burgers to steaks and lobster.”
He said that, similar to Crybabies, Stowaway’s will have a large menu with approachable options for all dining preferences. Ugly’s will also feature specialty cocktails including frozen drinks.
DeGennaro said that he plans to open Stowaway’s on October 1, and that the restaurant will be open year-round, seven days a week serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. He added that he is looking forward to adding a Sunday brunch with a Bloody Mary bar in the near term.
In addition to Crybabies, DeGennaro also previously owned and operated Otter’s Restaurant in Castine for two years beginning in 2021. That restaurant is now under new ownership under the name “Dennett’s at the Wharf.”
DeGennaro said he is excited to open Stowaway’s and be a part of the Bucksport community. This is his first foray into Bucksport.
“I just like the vibe of the town,” he said. “There are a lot of new things and a lot of great thinkers bringing in new ideas and amusements. We want to be a part of that.”
