South Portland’s Beloved Legion Square Market Closes

The South Portland Market, which has impacted the lives of countless citizens, employees and customers since it opened more than 80 years ago, is closing.

Legion Square Market, also known as Smaha’s Market, will be closing soon after selling off its remaining inventory.

Alan Cardinal, owner of Smaha’s Legion Square in South Portland, 2015. Joel Page/Portland Press Herald

The building at 101 Ocean Street in the Knightsville neighborhood will be on the market following a discounted inventory sale beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11, owner and operator Alan Cardinal said in a telephone interview Monday evening. rice field.

Cardinal said he and wife Sylvia Most decided to sell the business after 11 years so they could focus on family matters.

“Like many families, we find ourselves being pulled in different directions as our needs change and our priorities shift. , found that the situation was making it increasingly difficult to maintain business and family commitments.

“The confluence of events makes it extremely difficult for my wife and I to close South Portland’s Legion Square Market. Our family has many new responsibilities, both near and far. and we need to focus on them,” Cardinal said. “This is a sad moment for us. We will miss being part of this thriving region.”

Thomas Smacher, the longtime owner of Legion Square Market, passed away on January 7, 2021 at the age of 77. Sumaha’s father, John, opened the market in 1939. Thomas Smacher took over the business in 1969 and ran it for 43 years. Year.

Smaha sold the business and buildings to Cardinal in 2012. Cardinal has been running the market since then with his wife and her two children.

Thomas Smacher, former owner of Legion Square Market and son of founder John Smacher, stands at the iconic South Portland grocery store in 2007. 1939. John Patrikin/Portland Press Herald

“Sad. And that wasn’t my goal. I wanted to carry on the legacy,” Cardinal said of his decision to close the market.

The Cardinal lamented Smaha’s death in an interview with the Press-Herald last year. He said it rarely goes a week without someone stopping by to share a story about Smaha.

“It’s hard to get someone who has put so much of his life into the community path. He touched so many people’s lives,” Cardinal said. “We bought a business with a legacy…it needed to be celebrated and enhanced and he allowed us to do that. He meant a lot to the community. People are saddened by his death.”

Cardinal said he was proud that Legion Square Market successfully weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and provided the community with fresh cuts and groceries. Over the years, Smaha’s has built a reputation for having Portland’s largest full-service meat department.

“We survived COVID with a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” Cardinal said.

“This is a sad moment for us and we will miss being part of this thriving region.We are able to serve the many families who trust us with our daily and weekly marketing. will be gone,” Cardinal said in his farewell message.

“We are committed to providing essential supplies during the pandemic and lockdown and are proud to be sponsors of many local fundraisers and charities.” and our employees for their efforts, and thank you for your care during this difficult transition.”

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