20 Portland, Maine, Restaurants Closed in 2024 — Why More Might Follow

Weird times that we are living in as we continue to sadly see a large number of restaurants closing down here in Portland, Maine. Why is this happening? For a few different reasons, but here’s how I see it. 

A lot of businesses have recovered from the pandemic, but with the supply chain shortage that drove up food costs and the lack of employees that were able to work, ultimately put restaurant owners in a tale spin. 

Let’s break it down. Food costs went through the roof during the pandemic and never went back down, this is often what happens with inflation, the inflated prices just become the norm. Then there was, and still is, corporate price gouging making it even more difficult for restaurant owners. In order for them to remain profitable, they have to up their menu prices. 

Now, let’s talk about the cost of employees. You likely know that keeping a restaurant fully staffed over the last 5 years has been very difficult for owners, in some cases nearly impossible. In order for them to keep these employees, many have had to increase their pay, further driving up the costs of menu items. 

Then there’s the consumer. Many of which are living paycheck to paycheck and simply cannot afford to dine out anymore. 

Finally, there are the rent increases. I spoke with an owner of one of the restaurants that recently closed their doors. They informed me that their landlord jacking up the rent was the final nail in the coffin, and left them no other option than to close.  

I also spoke with an industry worker that said, "These days, you need to own the building to survive". She went on to say, "Portland restaurants didn't get their summer money and are now being forced to close". That is both unfortunate and surprising to hear, seeing how busy downtown Portland was this summer. It's just further proof that consumers wallets are restricted.

20 Portland, Maine, Restaurants to Close in 2024

Bao Bao Dumpling House – (February)

Stars & Stripes Brewing – (February)

Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro – (March)

The Pizza Joint – (April)

Esaan – (April)

Broken Arrow – (May)

Falafel Time – (May)

Liquid Riot – (June)

Coffee by Design (India Street location) – (August)

Golden Lotus – (September)

Sisters Gourmet Deli – (September)

Coal’s Bayside – (September)

Slab Sicilian Street Food (October)

Salvage BBQ (October)

Local 188 – (October)

The North Point (October)

Thistle & Grouse –  (October)

Cheevitdee – (October)

Ohno Café – (November)

Elsmere BBQ – (November)

Although Portland seems to be getting hit extra hard, there are other longtime southern Maine restaurants that have announced closures as well such as Muddy Rudder and The Garrison, both in Yarmouth, as well as Gritty’s Freeport location.

Also important to note, this problem isn’t just happening in Maine, it’s happening throughout the country and it seems quite possible that the only way to fix it will need to come from the top of the large food suppliers. I can’t help but think their demand must be shrinking and will continue to so, leaving them no other option than to lower prices to get this horrible ripple effect to come to an end. That is how supply and demand works, right?