Harvest Moon Deli has opened its second Augusta location on Stephen King Drive, the Maine deli chain’s ninth store. 

Known for its grilled panini sandwiches, the deli has successfully expanded across the Bangor and central Maine area to open eight stores in 10 years, in addition to its first restaurant in Orono.

With sandwiches with names like Bacon Care of Business, Steak Me Home Tonight and More Than Birds, it’s hard not to wonder if the deli’s name is a nod to the popular Neil Young song.

“It’s ‘Harvest Moon’ with the idea of being fresh, nutritious,” Zack Richardson said, noting the song reference wasn’t intended, but it ties in with the deli’s music-themed branding. 

Keith Manaker, who is co-owner of the company with Richardson, opened Harvest Moon Deli in Orono in 2007. Richardson came on board in 2015 and helped expand the chain to Brewer, Newport, Waterville, three locations in Bangor and the two in Augusta.

Both Manaker and Richardson grew up in Maine and live in Orono. Because Richardson grew up in Winthrop, he said central Maine holds a special place in his heart. 

“The Western Avenue location was tremendously successful, and we are so blessed by the community support we have received,” Richardson said.

The first Harvest Moon Deli in Augusta opened in January 2024 on Western Avenue.

“I hope the community feels the equal support back, as we try to support community organizations,” Richardson said, noting that the deli has donated to support to Chizzle Wizzle, the variety show put on yearly by Cony High School students. 

In addition to panini sandwiches, the deli serves cold sandwiches, soups and salads.  Customers can Go Your Own Way and make their own sandwiches, too.

“I would never allow a product to go out to a guest that I wouldn’t be proud to serve my family and that’s something we have always stood behind,” Richardson said. 

The deli has a seating capacity of up to 35, although Richardson considers the deli to be a fast, casual-style restaurant where most people take orders to go. 

He recommends the More Than Birds panini, an oven-roasted turkey sandwich with provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion, tomato, spinach and finished with homemade pesto mayonnaise. More Than Birds is a play on the 1990 song “More Than Words” by the band Extreme. 

“This is our livelihood and why we are here — to serve the best possible product — sandwiches, soups and salads to those who want them,” he said. 

Harvest Moon Deli is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday at the Marketplace at Augusta.