Restaurateur Who Planned To Retire Opens Bistro Named For Unborn Son
Mark Greenleaf, who once ran Carolina's in the same Bangor space, plans a grand opening for MJ's Catering on Aug. 8.
Bangor's former Carolina's Sports and Spirits building at 16 Union St. now houses a new Italian restaurant, MJ's Catering, run by former Carolina's owner Mark Greenleaf. Greenleaf, who had planned to retire, returned to Bangor's restaurant scene with executive chef Chris Cutler, and the two make dishes from scratch, including arancini, grilled shrimp skewers, several salads and about a dozen pasta entrees, alongside a rotating wine list. The business had a soft opening earlier in July and plans a grand opening on Aug. 8. It is the third restaurant to occupy the Union Street space in about 18 months: Carolina's closed after nearly 20 years, and its successor, Salt North Tap Room, shut down in May after a former chef sued owner Dane Morgan over unpaid wages. Greenleaf said Salt North had fallen behind on rent for months before closing; Morgan told the Bangor Daily News the business went through periods of being behind but that rent owed was ultimately paid. MJ's is named for Greenleaf's son, Marcus, due in October. The restaurant currently serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.
This story was first reported by Bangor Daily News.
