About Us

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When Mike and Betsy Fear first opened the doors of Now You’re Cooking on May 10, 2000 they promised each other they would give the business a try for 10 years. They figured that was enough time to give their new venture a solid chance at success. Two retail expansions, a new demonstration cooking kitchen, and 25 years later, Now You’re Cooking is stronger than ever and still just as committed to providing the best selection of kitchenwares in Midcoast Maine. “I thought after 10 years I would be looking for something else to do, but I just kept having too much fun,” said founder Mike Fear. 

Much about Now You’re Cooking is the same as it was 25 years ago. The store is stocked with a variety of interesting, good quality, reasonably priced kitchen products for the home chef. The staff is knowledgeable about the products offered and every member treats each customer, and each other, as a friend. “Our vendors, business neighbors, local organizations, and customers have treated us so well, and we have tried to reciprocate where we can,” said Fear. Now You’re Cooking continues to make contributions to a wide-reaching list of non-profit organizations, and in 2024, the store gave to 142 different local causes. 

Looking ahead to the next 25 years, the biggest change is the retirement of Mike Fear in April 2025. Vanessa Mayer, the store’s 22-year business manager, and Heather Fear, Betsy and Mike's daughter-in-law and the store's marketing director, were added as co-owners in February 2023 and now run the business together full-time. “As we look to the future, we want Now You’re Cooking to be a place where our community is proud and excited to shop, “said new storeowner Vanessa Mayer, “and for customers making their first visit, can’t wait to tell their friends.”