Friday Food Insider: Lewiston brings back a piece of restaurant history

Several Lewiston businesses and organizations are celebrating milestones this fall, from the return of an historic restaurant sign and a downtown food festival later this month to honors for a local manufacturing facility. A nod to the past The Maine Grill, which reopened in July at the newly renovated Clarion Hotel & Conference Center at 490 Pleasant St., brings back the name of a restaurant that operated at the property decades ago. The property, which opened as a Ramada Inn in 1972, was home to the original Maine Grill beginning in 1978. That restaurant closed in 1984. It has since housed three other eateries. On Thursday, the hotel's owners unveiled a rebuilt version of the original 1978 Maine Grill sign, paying tribute to the former restaurant. The restaurant, operated by KS Hospitality Group, officially opened in mid-July as a new contemporary pub. Its theme is "elevated pub fare," with an emphasis on local ingredients, led by Joe McBrady, director of food and beverage. Taste of Harvest The LA Metro Chamber will host its annual Taste the Harvest event on Wednesday, Sept. 30, bringing food, music and fall activities to Lisbon Street and Dufresne Plaza. The free event, which runs from 4-7 p.m., will feature food from eight local businesses, live music, vendors, fire pits and activities for all ages. A beverage garden will be available for guests 21 and older. Participating businesses include the Blue Feather, KP's Place, the Pub at Baxter, Nonesuch River Brewing, 84 Court, Mogadishu Store, Cozy Foxx Bakery and Forage Market. 'Plant of the Year' Sazerac, a global producer of distilled spirits, has named its Sazerac 1820 Spirits facility in Lewiston the company's 2026 E.H. Taylor "Plant of the Year." The award recognizes excellence in quality, safety, service, cost and innovation. The facility celebrated the honor on Labor Day. Sazerac has invested more than $10 million in the Lewiston facility since 2018 and created more than 270 jobs in Maine. The company operates 18 facilities worldwide and employs more than 8,000 people. Other restaurant news The Teal Duck, at 8 Exchange St. in Portland, opened on Aug. 28. Bar Publica, at 82 Hanover St. in Portland’s West Bayside neighborhood, closed its doors on Sept. 5 after just over a year in business. The owners cited the chef's health, saying the closure will allow him to focus on well-being. The restaurant opened in June 2024 and was named Portland's Best Latin Restaurant in 2025 and 2026. Tomaso’s Pizza and Burger Bar, at 51 Wharf St. in Portland, closed on Monday. The business opened last year. Reader feedback As summer winds down in Maine, what fall foodie activities are you most excited for? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.