Longtime Chili’s Restaurant Near the Maine Mall in South Portland to Permanently Close

There are ebbs and flows to operating a restaurant in or around the Maine Mall. It's no secret that shopping habits have changed in America, and yet, Maine's largest mall continues to be a hub of activity.

Many chain restaurants that surround the mall have been there for a very long time, from Olive Garden to Longhorn Steakhouse to Uno Pizzeria. Others haven't fared quite as well, from Tilted Kilt to Bugaboo Creek as well as Macaroni Grill.

Another longtime chain restaurant around the Maine Mall is about to join the likes of Bugaboo Creek and Macaroni Grill, as the Chili's Grill and Bar restaurant next to the Days Inn has announced they will be permanently closing.

According to WMTW, a manager at the Chili's location confirmed the restaurant would be closing. It's unclear the exact circumstances around the closing and whether it's staffing, increased competition, or a combination of things that led to the closure. This leaves the state with only one remaining Chili's location in Bangor.

The Maine Mall area is undergoing some turnover. Just down the road, the Christmas Tree Shops is set to be replaced by Maine's first location of Floor & Decor, a purveyor of home improvement supplies. Construction is ongoing.

In the former Toys 'R' Us plaza that now houses Bernie & Phyl's, a new store is set to open next month. It will be Maine's first location of Boot Barn, a retail giant that specializes in cowboy and western attire.

Chili's final day of operation in South Portland will be May 7.