Longtime Bangor European Market Changes Ownership
The citys oldest farmers market transitions to new ownership after more than three decades under the previous operators.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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Ingrid Perkins and Rick Gilbert have sold the European Market and its associated businesses after operating them for over 30 years. New owners Serine and Kari Steines have assumed control of the market and plan to continue operations at the current site.
Why it matters
The transition marks a new chapter for a local institution that has served Bangor for decades. Perkins and Gilbert are stepping down to focus on travel and family time.
Located at 117 Buck Street, the market operates year-round every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The property includes the original 1927 Sunnyside Greenhouse site.
The players
Ingrid Perkins
She operated the European Market and its associated businesses for over 30 years before retiring.
Rick Gilbert
He co-managed the European Market alongside Ingrid Perkins for more than three decades.
Serine Steines
She is one of the new owners who has assumed management of the European Market businesses.
Kari Steines
She is a new owner who has taken over the daily operations of the European Market and Sunnyside Greenhouse.
The details
The sale encompasses the European Market, Ingrid's European Imports, and the historic Sunnyside Greenhouse. The new owners have confirmed they will maintain the existing market format, including indoor winter shopping and outdoor summer setups.
Timeline
Sunnyside Greenhouse originally opened its doors in 1927.
Ingrid Perkins and Rick Gilbert retired and sold the business in October 2026.
New owners began operations on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The market holds regular operating hours every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Culture Shift
This transition aligns with the broader societal trend of long-term small business owners retiring as multi-decade tenures conclude. These handoffs are essential for preserving the local culture and historical landmarks that define the identity of smaller urban centers.
Shoppers can expect no interruptions to the regular Saturday schedule or product availability as the transition proceeds. Residents should look for holiday-specific inventory hitting the shelves soon as the new owners prepare for the Christmas season.
The takeaway
Supporting long-standing local markets helps preserve the history and social fabric of your community. When ownership changes, frequenting these spots ensures they remain viable for the next generation of residents.
What happens next
The new owners plan to begin stocking the store with inventory specifically for the upcoming Christmas season.
Further reading
Learn more about local food availability and community markets on our Organic Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
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