What is Replacing Elsmere BBQ in South Portland, Maine

For a lot of people in South Portland, Maine, the loss of Elsmere BBQ still stings.

In November of 2024, the more-than-decade old restaurant announced it was planning to close permanently.

Not long after, the building that housed Elsmere at 448 Cottage Road was listed and sold to another restauranteur with big plans. Those plans included taking a proven concept from Portland, Maine, and expanding on it in a new space.

Now the owners of Yosaku are preparing to showcase their new restaurant in South Portland with some familiar favorites and new signature dishes to fall in love with.

Makoto Set For Grand Opening in Old Elsmere BBQ Space in South Portland, Maine

According to Portland Food Map, the new wood-fired grill and sushi restaurant called Makoto is set to open in South Portland, Maine, on April 1.

The restaurant will bring some Yosaku favorites along for the ride, specifically a vast array of sushi favorites.

Makoto will also features a selection of new dishes from their wood-fired grill. That will include various seafood and steak options amongst others.

Yosaku Plans to Expand With a New Restaurant in South Portland, Maine

Yosaku has been a Portland, Maine, staple for sushi fans for over two decades. But in recent years, frequent visitors to the restaurant began to notice a few changes.

Those changes included a change of ownership. The Yosaku brand was purchased by the Tran family who fully believed in the restaurant.

Since taking over, they've made improvements to their Portland location and are now ready to expand their footprint by embarking on a expansion of Yosaku into South Portland.