20 Restaurants That Could Replace Chili’s Near the Maine Mall

There is a pattern that has developed for chain restaurants that surround the Maine Mall in South Portland over the last few decades.

That pattern has been pretty simple. Most of those chain restaurants simply come and go.

That includes Chili's, which opened in the mid-1990's near the Maine Mall and operated for about three decades before finally closing their doors in 2024.

Chili's Restaurant Near The Maine Mall Has Remained Vacant Since Its Closure

When the Chili's location in South Portland, Maine, closed in 2024, it did so rather abruptly. Staff that worked at the restaurant were given short notice and regular patrons were surprised that the restaurant was suddenly gone.

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No official reason was ever given but the truth lies somewhere between lease expirations, staffing struggles and a decline in Chili's business nationwide.

More Hotels Have Opened in The Maine Mall Area Over The Last Two Years

Perhaps the closure of Chili's at 465 Maine Mall Road in South Portland was a little premature.

Over the last couple of years, multiple new hotels have opened nearby. That includes directly next door, where a new Spark by Hilton has opened utilizing the same parking lot.

Just down the road, a new HomeAwhile hotel has also opened. That hotel focuses on guests who plan extended stays.

All of that adds up to the former Chili's likely opening as a new restaurant in the not-too-distant future.

Here's a look at 20 potential chains that could fill the space at 465 Maine Mall Road in South Portland.