Longtime Portland eatery Local 188 has closed.
Portland Food Map reported Monday that the restaurant was closed, although it was not clear when exactly it closed its doors.
Owner and chef Jay Villani wrote, “Words can not express how incredibly lucky I feel. The depth of meaning you all have given my life is immeasurable. What a truly special gift,” according to Portland Food Map.
The restaurant had not posted any announcements to its Facebook page, and a call to the restaurant had not been returned as of Monday morning.
Local 188 was established in 1999, and was one of the restaurants that preceded Portland’s modern restaurant scene. Now, it is the latest in a slate of closures in Portland, including Slab Pizza.
News Center Maine also reported that Salvage BBQ, which is owned and operated by Villani, recently closed its doors. The restaurant had not posted any announcements to its Facebook profile as of Monday.
News Center’s report cited an employee who said the spot would be closing.
Other Portland eateries that have recently announced closures include Coals Pizza in Bayside, Thistle & Grouse on Cotton Street, Sisters Gourmet Deli in Monument Square, Golden Lotus on Congress Street, Ohno Cafe in the West End, Gross Bakery on Middle Street and Coffee By Design’s India Street location. The local coffee chain also closed a Congress Street location in 2023.
