ABOUT US
Welcome to Jones Landing Oceanfront Bar & Restaurant!
Our Peaks Island adventure began in 2015 when Molly Ritzo opened Milly's Skillet Seaside Kitchen food truck. The food truck sits on the property of a historic restaurant known as Jones Landing that was currently being used as an event space. The food truck quickly gained popularity and soon became a favorite eating spot on Peaks enjoyed by locals and sought after by visitors to the island.
In the spring of 2022 the opportunity was presented to sign the lease on Jones Landing. Jumping into action, the restaurant was reopened to the public for the first time in years in the summer of 2022 by Molly Ritzo aka Milly Skillet. Her mission, to provide a light hearted gathering space for friends, family and strangers to enjoy good food and good times with one another. Ritzo is also the owner of sister restaurants, The Barn at Old Smith Farm and Milly's Skillet Farmside Kitchen in Falmouth, Maine.
HISTORY OF PEAKS ISLAND
Jones Landing is steeped in history dating back through the 1900's. It has seen it's day as a hotel, apartments, a bar, a restaurant, and a world class wedding venue. The Jones Landing dock was in fact the site of the original car ferry for the island.
In 1981 Robin and George Clark bought the existing restaurant. Jones Landing become known to Portlanders as a favorite summertime destination known for it's spectacular views overlooking Casco Bay and it's iconic Reggae Sunday. A Portland Maine celebration taking place every Sunday from Memorial Day til Labor Day since 1991!
The history of Peaks Island dates back to the 1600's but was put on the map in the late 1800's as a resort and seaside carnival town. It was known as "The little Coney Island" of Portland, Maine.
In 1942 Peaks became the center piece of the World War II defense efforts in Casco Bay. In this timeframe Battery Steele was built on the back shore and was said to have artillery in place that could shoot up to 26 miles out to sea. The ocean off
of the back shore was prepared with a series of heavy nets set up to block enemy submarines. In total 58 military structures were built on Peaks during this time. In 1957 wildfires swept the island claiming many island buildings but leaving the concrete structures around Battery Steele which are still explorable today.
Today, Peaks is home to around 900 year round residents which grows to 2,500 residents in the summer months. Peaks island is known for its spectacular views, explorable shoreline, forts, restaurants, and shops.