Three Portland-area businesses close their doors
Courtesy / Scratch Baking Co.
Toast Bar, which launched in 2016 and had closed "temporarily" last month, will not re-open.
Within 24 hours, three Portland-area businesses have announced they are shutting down their operations.
Happy Wheels Skate Center, a Portland roller skating rink in business for over 40 years, will close Dec. 15, according to a post Wednesday evening on its Facebook page.
The rink, at 331 Warren Ave., has been sold to a developer, the post said. No further information was available.
Happy Wheels offers “traditional skating and inline skates for everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens,” according to its website. The rink has long been a popular venue for parties and group events, and hosts Maine Roller Derby games.
“Please come by to get your last memory, last lap, say your goodbyes,” Happy Wheels said on Facebook. “Thank you for your patronage.”
By Thursday morning, the post had attracted over 425 comments and been shared almost 930 times.
Earlier on Wednesday, Scratch Baking Co. said it will close Toast Bar, a South Portland purveyor of artisanal toast dishes.
The bakery's spin-off, at 205 Broadway, had closed “temporarily” in September and reopened again Oct. 17.
“Unfortunately with the current labor shortage we just can’t find the staff to provide the experience and service to our customers that is so important to us,” Scratch said on Facebook.
The eatery might re-open next year or be used for private events, according to the post.
Several Facebook users reacted with disappointment, and one noted that the unemployment rate in Portland-South Portland is at a near-record low of 1.9%. "Consequence of a booming economy. Very understandable business decision," the post read.
Scratch owners Bob Johnson, Allison Reid and Sonja Swanberg opened Toast Bar in 2016 in a former Getty gas station, a half mile from Scratch’s location at 416 Preble St.
The focus on charred-bread dishes — such as whole-wheat toast covered with cheddar cheese sauce and roasted broccoli — is part of national trend that began in San Francisco five years ago. Toast Bar appeared to be Maine's only cafe devoted to the craze, although bagels were also on the menu.
In another shut-down, On the Border, a national chain of over 100 Mexican-food restaurants, has closed its South Portland location.
The sole Maine branch closed Tuesday, according to social media reports. By Thursday, On the Border’s Facebook page said the restaurant at 420 Maine Mall Road had closed permanently.
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