New Food and Fun Spots Coming to Biddeford

Biddeford is getting a mix of new restaurants and entertainment venues. A fast‑food chain that sells chicken sandwiches will replace an old Italian restaurant on a downtown lot. The site, once home to Olive Garden, was torn down last year and is ready for a fresh building. Chick‑fil‑A has already received approval from the city’s planning board and is in early stages of setting up a location at the Shops at Biddeford Crossing. The company’s spokesperson expressed excitement about serving local customers, though no opening date has been set yet.Another addition is a 17, 000‑square‑foot indoor attraction called Mystery Springs. Planned for Elm Street, the project will feature mini golf and escape rooms. While details about the developer or construction timeline remain scarce, city officials see it as a boost for year‑round recreation. The mayor highlighted how such venues can increase foot traffic and support nearby businesses, especially during colder months when outdoor options dwindle. Biddeford’s indoor scene has grown recently with a pickleball center and a bowling alley opening downtown. The new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will occupy a vacant spot on Alfred Street, sharing space with other quick‑service restaurants. The chain already operates four Maine locations and has yet to announce a specific opening date for its Biddeford outlet. Overall, the city’s mix of fast‑food and indoor entertainment reflects a push to diversify local attractions and keep residents engaged throughout the year.