OGUNQUIT — A battle is cooking in Ogunquit over a proposed new restaurant in town.

Some people say the proposed El Rodeo Mexican restaurant violates the town’s ban on “chain or formula” eateries.

The Pennsylvania-based company has more than two dozen locations, including one in South Portland.

Mary Breen, owner of the Bread and Roses Bakery, tells WMTW-TV that sounds like a chain to her. She says if El Rodeo is allowed to violate “the pristine character of town” it opens the floodgates to more chains.

Town Manager Tom Fortier says El Rodeo’s owners claim that since it is a family-owned company that does not answer to corporate masters, it isn’t a chain.

A town attorney is looking into the matter.

The Select Board is holding a meeting on the issue Tuesday.


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