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March 31, 2025

After ceiling collapse at Longhorn Steakhouse, fire chief says 'it could've been worse'

Photo / Courtesy City of South Portland A section of the ceiling at Longhorn Steakhouse in South Portland collapsed on Friday.
By Alexis Wells

A section of the ceiling at a Longhorn Steakhouse in South Portland collapsed into the dining room on Friday evening, but the city's fire chief said no serious injuries were reported.

The fire department responded to the call at the restaurant, which is at 300 Maine Mall Road, at 6:40 p.m. 

Employees reported seeing ceiling tiles begin to fall and quickly moved patrons away from the area just before the collapse, the city said in a prepared release. 

The South Portland Fire Chief, Phil Selberg, said an estimated 150 people were in the restaurant at the time.

"This situation could've been much worse," Selberg said. "The collapsed section appeared to be an architectural element of the ceiling and was quite substantial. We are fortunate that no one was seriously injured.”

Bystanders also assisted in helping some patrons from the debris.

One person was evaluated by emergency medical staff, but declined to be transported to the hospital. 

Selberg told Mainebiz on Monday morning that inspectors from the South Portland Code Enforcement Office were evaluating the building and would determine with the building owner the next steps to get the restaurant reopened.

The city's office could not be reached for further comment. 

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