BRUNSWICK — When Susan Tarpinian opened the original Morning Glory Natural Foods on Maine Street in Brunswick in 1981, her son, Toby, was just 2 years old. Now, he’s running the business, and has a brand new store for his own 2-year-old to toddle around in.
The family opened its second grocery store on Friday, located in the former REAL School building on Brunswick Landing, adjacent to Wild Oats Bakery and Flight Deck Brewing.
“There’s a lot of emotions — anxiety, excitement, some pride, but really just gratitude,” Toby Tarpinian said on opening day. “I’m just grateful for the community. They’ve supported us and been loyal for 45 years.”
Tarpinian and his team decided to expand the business about a year ago, feeling cramped in the downtown store. The new location offers the same natural food products as the Maine Street store, with the addition of a seafood counter and a butcher.
Tarpinian has already brought on 16 new staff members to serve customers at the new store, with more to come soon, he said.
The parking availability and roomier feel may draw some customers to the Landing, but Tarpinian said he’s not planning on closing his mom’s original store anytime soon — knowing many regulars appreciate the “old school” spot in the middle of town.
Susan Tarpinian opened the store on Maine Street after relocating to Bowdoinham from California in the 1970s, and finding herself disappointed by a lack of local, organic foods in the northeast, her son said. She was later joined in the business by her husband, Craig Urquhart.
After spending some time in California himself, Toby Tarpinian moved back to Maine in 2010 to help his mother and stepfather with the business. The pair retired and sold the Morning Glory to Toby Tarpinian in 2023.
Though retired, both former owners were at the store pitching in and greeting customers Friday, as was Toby’s dad, David Tarpinian.
“We are who we are because of Craig and Susan,” said Haley Brown, Morning Glory’s general manager.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can update your screen name on the member's center.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can subscribe here. Questions? Please see our FAQs.