About Us

A Note From Annie, owner

For as long as I can remember I’ve imagined having a little shop of my own à la Barefoot Contessa. In my mind, this shop would be a place for people to gather, enjoy great food, discover and learn about wine, savour a cappuccino as they peruse the shop, and simply cherish the time in a place that feels all at once like being transported to another city and also comfortably familiar.

A couple of years ago, a dear friend introduced me to the idea of having a “third space.” She explained how we all have our workplace and our home, and that people need a third space — a gym, a library, a palace of worship, etc. I loved this idea and immediately started considering my own third space. I found myself thinking about this a lot and bringing it up in conversations with loved ones and with people I’d just met. I’ve found over the years that some of the best opportunities arise when you’re not looking for them. In hindsight, this conversation with a close friend feels serendipitous. It laid the groundwork for bringing my longtime dream to fruition.

In November of 2024, community friends shared that they were ready to sell their business which had been a cornerstone of Downtown Bangor for nearly 30 years. Bangor Wine & Cheese, which was originally opened by Leslie Thistle, was already in its second life with the Mihan’s, who had grown it to become a landmark in our community. The opportunity felt too good to pass up, and so Sunbury’s was born.

Sunbury’s is your neighborhood specialty shop reimagined. The essence of Sunbury’s is a welcoming space that brings people together to share in the joys of life. The shop offers a tightly curated selection of wines, cheese, bread, olive oils, chocolate, coffee, and other foods, as well as kitchen and cookware. As I’ve experienced other cities over the years, I’ve always found myself feeling at home in the small shops that are so obviously nurtured by the owner and beloved by locals. I hope for Sunbury’s to be that space for others in our own community — a third space for anyone who hasn’t yet found theirs.

As for the name? We get asked this a lot. Sunbury’s is a name rooted in Bangor’s early history. In 1787, before the city had its current name, the residents of what was then known as Kenduskeag proposed renaming their town Sunbury. Although the Massachusetts legislature rejected their request, the community remained determined. They later sent Rev. Seth Noble to Boston to advocate for a new name. In 1791, their efforts led to the official incorporation of Bangor, a decision signed into law by Governor John Hancock.

To that end, I welcome you to Sunbury’s. I hope you enjoy the space, discover new things and old favorites, and become a part of not just growing our community but helping it thrive.