Category: Closings

Owner Paula Kersch has announced she’ll be closing the Botanically Curious (website, facebook, instagram) apothecary. Its last day in business will be November 22nd.

After careful consideration, I’ve made the decision to close the physical Botanically Curious educational apothecary and third space in downtown Portland.

I have owned Botanically Curious & served communities through this work for almost 10 years. Opening the apothecary was a beautiful experiment, one I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to create. But life is pulling me in a few different directions, and I want to be more present for my family as I move through some big transitions.

Botanically Curious is located at 419 Congress Street in the first floor of the Masonic building. It opened for business on April 5, 2024. Kersch will be selling all non-Botanically Curious products in stock at a 40% discount.

Tomaso’s Pizza and Burger Bar (website, facebook, instagram) on Wharf Street is closing. Monday will be their last day in business.

The restaurant was launched in March of last year by Sam Minervino and Sam Olsen. Minervino is the owner or partner of several other businesses: the North Deering Tavern, Tomaso’s Canteen on Hampshire Street, and Pizza Villa.

The owners of Bar Publica have announced the closure of their West Bayside bar and restaurant. September 5th will be their last day in business.

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share that Bar Publica will be closing its doors for good this Saturday, September 5.

This has been an extremely difficult decision. Chef Ron’s health has become a serious concern, and for his health and safety, we have made the decision to close so he can take the time he needs to take care of himself.

Bar Publica initially opened in June 2024. They closed over last winter and reopened this spring.

Belleville owners Chris Deutsch and Amy Fuller have announced plans to shutdown down their bakery. Retail operations will wind down in September and they plan to make their last wholesale deliveries at the end of the month.

Thank you all for the years of support which allowed us to experiment and bake what we loved. This business fulfilled a lifelong dream of ours and it has been an honor to bake for you. Thank you to all the talented people who worked with us to create the food and atmosphere we strived for. 

Running a small food service business is a grind. Running a small business while simultaneously raising a family is at times an impossible juggling act. Kudos to all those small business owners out there working hard right now. We see you. 

Deutsch and Fuller launched Belleville in 2017. They closed the Munjoy Hill location earlier this summer.

The owners of Higher Grounds have announced the closure of their Wharf Street coffee shop and dispensary. August 29th will be their last day in business.

The business originally opened in October 2017.

Banded Brewing has announced plans to shut down operations at their Biddeford brewery and kitchen. Their last day in business is expected to be August 31st. Their statement reads in part,

Unfortunately, the past several years have brought significant and sustained challenges to many independent brewers like us. Despite the continued support of our customers and community, we have reached a point where continuing operations is no longer sustainable.⁠
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There is so much we could say—but for now, we just want to say thank you.⁠

Launched in 2013 as Banded Horn Brewing, the brewery went on to open a Portland outpost in 2020 (now occupied by Argenta) in Bayside, and add a pub to their headquarters in 2022.

Ryan Carey has announced plans to close Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue (website, instagram). Their last day in business will be July 12th.

After nine remarkable years of Noble, it is with a full heart that we share some bittersweet news. We have made the incredibly difficult decision to close our doors at 476 Stevens Avenue, a place that has meant so much to us and to so many in our community.
 
Running a restaurant of this size and pace requires complete dedication, and Noble has received my whole heart for many years. As my family grows, I have come to realize that I can no longer give the restaurant the focus it deserves while also being fully present for the people who need me most. At this stage in life, I am choosing to turn more of my time and energy toward my family and other businesses.

The Stevens Ave restaurant opened in November 2024, and it preceded by Noble Barbecue on Forest Avenue which opened in 2017.

Photo: This image was taken in October 2024 before Noble opened.