Cracker Barrel Closes Last Maine Location After 15 Years

Cracker Barrel has permanently closed its only location in Maine, situated in South Portland, after nearly 15 years of operation. Employees were reportedly unaware of the closure until they arrived for work, and the company cited difficulties in recovering from pandemic-related losses and other challenges as reasons for the shutdown. The closure is part of a broader trend affecting restaurants in Maine and nationwide, as many establishments struggle with staffing shortages and rising costs. Cracker Barrel, which operates over 600 locations across the U.S., has faced financial challenges since the pandemic and has closed several restaurants this year. The company has pledged to assist affected employees in finding positions at other locations. Local customers expressed disappointment over the abruptness of the closure and concern for the staff involved.