Elsmere BBQ in South Portland, Maine, Closes Permanently

About a month ago, it felt like a tidal wave of restaurants throughout the Portland area announcing their permanent closure. From restaurants that had existed for a short time to others that had been longtime staples of their communities, that wave hit a lot of people hard.

Unfortunately the waves of change in and around Portland aren't quite done yet. Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill, a decade-long staple of the Willard Beach neighborhood in South Portland, has announced its permanent closure.

According to Portland Food Map, Elsmere chose not to cite a specific reason for the permanent closure. Instead, they focused on the journey the restaurant took over the past 11 years and the fond memories they'll carry with them as they move on to the next venture.

At its height, Elsmere BBQ operated two locations. The South Portland restaurant was the original but their Portland restaurant in the Deering neighborhood lasted until 2022.

With the closing of Elsmere, two of the most recognizable names in barbecue in the Portland/South Portland area are gone. Salvage was one of the Portland restaurants that closed their doors recently.

Sadly, the barrage of notable restaurants in southern Maine closing for good likely isn't over. Many restaurants have cited a variety of issues that have led to their difficult decisions. From a downturn in business to costs of goods and labor to staffing issues causing a lack of quality service.

Elsmere BBQ in South Portland will celebrate its final day in business on Saturday, November 9.