Gritty's in Freeport, Maine, is closing permanently

When a restaurant closes, people are generally curious about the reasons why. Was it a lack of interest, poor management, poor ownership, or a combination of factors? But in some cases, the answer to the question of why a restaurant is closing is far more complicated.

After a spate of restaurant closings in Portland, Maine, a staple in another southern Maine city has announced its permanent closure. That would be Gritty McDuff's, a brewpub that has been in Freeport for more than 30 years.

The reasoning behind the closure is as complicated as you will discover. Gritty's isn't closing because the restaurant is failing. It's not closing because of a lack of staff or because the owners have grown tired of the business.

Instead, Gritty's land lease with his landlord runs. According to the Portland Press Herald, Gritty's owners Ed Stebbins and Richard Pfeffer tried for 30 years to purchase the property they called home in Freeport but were rebuffed by the current owners.

A shorter rental period that made sense for both parties was not possible. Instead, Gritty's made the difficult decision to close its Freeport location and focus its attention and resources on its two remaining brewpubs in Auburn and Portland's Old Port.

What will replace Gritty's in Freeport is unclear. The property is spacious and could be attractive for various uses, but it won't be cheap.

Gritty's in Freeport will remain open the remainder of November; the last day of operation is scheduled for Saturday, November 30th.