TEDS FRIED CLAMS
SHAPLEIGH MAINE
Our History
the founding
seven decade legacy
the future of a landmark
Founding of a Maine Tradition
In the spring of 1950, Theodore and Grace “Gram” Mavrakos opened a modest clam shack on Emery Mills Road in Shapleigh, Maine. What began as a local spot for fresh, hand-shucked seafood quickly grew into a regional destination. For over 70 years, the Mavrakos family built a reputation on high standards, secret family recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere that made every customer feel like a neighbor.
A Legacy of Seven Decades
As the years passed, Ted’s became more than just a restaurant; it became a rite of passage. Families who visited in the 1950s returned decades later with their grandchildren. The menu expanded to include local favorites like Rockhouse Ice Cream, but the star remained the same: the signature fried clams that defined the Maine summer experience.
Resilience and Rebirth
After 72 years of family ownership, the restaurant entered a new chapter. Following a brief closure and a period of transition—including a temporary move to Sanford following a fire at the original location—the community’s love for Ted’s never wavered.
Today, Ted’s Fried Clams is embarking on its most exciting era yet. Under new ownership, the restaurant is returning to its roots at the iconic Shapleigh location. We are working hand-in-hand with the Mavrakos family to ensure that every recipe—from the light, golden breading to the signature chowders—remains exactly as Theodore and Grace intended back in 1950.
The Future of a Landmark
With a renovated interior and a fresh new menu offerings, we are preserving the “historic soul” of Ted’s while inviting a new generation to pull up a seat. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re proud to keep the fryers hot and the tradition alive.
