For Krista Cole, restaurants are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about the people, the place, and the community that forms around them. As a two-time James Beard semifinalist and the sole owner of both Gather in Yarmouth, Maine and Sur Lie in Portland, Maine, Cole has become a defining voice in Maine’s restaurant scene, blending hospitality with a deep-rooted sense of community.
Her path into the restaurant industry wasn’t traditional. Cole began her career in healthcare, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing before going on to pursue a master’s degree in management and entrepreneurial studies. Through that experience, she developed a strong foundation in operations, branding, and leadership. “Hospitality and caregiving really do translate,” she says. “At the core, it’s about taking care of people.” She spent years managing people and operations but always knew she wanted to build something of her own. That opportunity came in 2014 when she partnered in opening Sur Lie in Portland, Maine.
Photo: Nicole Wolfe
At the time, Portland’s dining scene was still evolving and Sur Lie introduced a concept that felt fresh: globally inspired small plates rooted in New England ingredients. “We didn’t want to be pigeonholed into one type of food,” Cole explains. “We wanted a worldly view while still using what’s available here.” That approach still shows up on the menu today, with dishes like the Lobster Popover and Crab Dip, both made with fresh seafood from the Gulf of Maine.
Local ingredients star in a Krista Cole establishment.
Over a decade later, Sur Lie still buzzes with the energy of the city, with exposed brick, bold murals, and a steady flow of guests drawn in by its vibrant, shareable menu. But Cole’s second restaurant, Gather, offers something entirely different.
Located in a restored Masonic Hall on Main Street in Yarmouth, Maine, Gather feels more like a historic house than a restaurant. The space is warm and communal, with a long table at its center that invites guests to linger. When the opportunity to take over the restaurant came about, Cole saw it as more than just a business move. It felt like a chance to preserve something meaningful. “It was important to keep it community-focused,” she says. “We wanted it to be a neighborhood spot, but also somewhere you could go for a date night or celebration.”
That balance between elevated and approachable really defines Gather. The menu leans into neighborhood comfort food, but with a bit more polish. You’ll find dishes like parmesan truffle fries, a small but approachable kids’ menu, and a standout cauliflower steak served with cheesy polenta and red pepper purée. It’s thoughtful without trying too hard and influenced by Maine’s seasonal ingredients.
Cole has built long-standing relationships with local farmers and fishermen, many of whom she’s worked with for over a decade. “We have farmers who pull up with their kids in the passenger’s seat and drop off produce,” she says. “We’re incredibly lucky to have that kind of access to fresh, local food.” That access to local ingredients, and the people behind them is what makes Maine’s restaurant scene feel so special.
Cole’s commitment to community extends well beyond her restaurants. In Yarmouth, that includes community nights supporting organizations like the Animal Refuge League, as well as her involvement with the local chamber. In nearby Cumberland, Maine, she also supports initiatives like the Wood Bank, which provides firewood to families in need during the winter months. In Portland, Cole serves on a downtown board focused on keeping the area clean, safe, and active, from ambassador programs to public art and murals.
Looking ahead, Cole is exploring ways to expand her impact, from consulting to helping other entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Her latest venture, Catface Café in Biddeford, Maine reflects that same approach, with a concept inspired by the area’s mill town history. No matter what comes next, her focus remains the same: thoughtful, grounded, and rooted in the communities she serves.
AUTHOR
Nicolette Degrassi is a Boston based food and travel blogger. When she's not traveling the world, you can find her reading the latest Book of the Month novel or trying to perfect her sticky toffee pudding recipe. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nadegrassi.
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