The national bar-and-grill chain Ruby Tuesday has permanently closed its location in Presque Isle, according to signs taped to the restaurant’s door and its listing on the company’s website Tuesday.
“We unfortunately regret to inform you that this location has been permanently closed,” the signs read. “We would ask that you visit our Waterville location. Thank you Presque Isle.”
The signs do not list a closing date.
The Ruby Tuesday in Waterville, more than three hours from Presque Isle, is now one of just two of the restaurants left in Maine. The second is in Brewer, although the location is temporarily closed, according to the company’s website.
The American chain has been on a downward trajectory in the last decade, accelerated by pandemic-related revenue losses. At its peak in 2009, there were 945 Ruby Tuesday locations. Today, there are just over 200.
The company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid what it called “long-term struggles” in 2020 before restructuring and emerging in 2021.
Maine once had 10 Ruby Tuesday restaurants. The corporation closed sites in Bangor, Biddeford and South Portland in 2016. Also in the last decade, Ruby Tuesday locations have closed in Augusta, Auburn, Topsham and Westbrook.
Ruby Tuesday had been part of the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle since the shopping center first opened in 1993, and was one of its last remaining original tenants.
The restaurant has weathered its share of difficulties, including closing for more than two months for repairs in 2024 after failing multiple health inspections.
Ruby Tuesday officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
