Scarborough, Maine, Restaurant Closes Permanently Months After Opening

For those that drive down Payne Road in Scarborough towards the Maine Mall, it's one of the most recognizable shops along the strip, standing out amongst big box stores and sprawling hotels.

That would be Fresco Del Forno (formerly Pizza Plus), an Italian eatery that featured everything from pizza to lasagna and other grab-and-go specials. Despite the prime location, passersby recently noticed that signage had disappeared from the building, and wondered what was going on.

What is going on is that Fresco Del Forno has permanently closed just months after it relocated to the former Pizza Plus location. A Google business listing says the restaurant has officially closed for good, without any intentions of reopening. The Fresco Del Forno Facebook page hasn't been updated since earlier this year.

Fresco Del Forno had previously been known as Amore on the Marsh. The restaurant was located in the Scarborough Flats in the spot that was formerly the home of another longstanding Italian restaurant, Anjon's. Amore on the Marsh closed earlier in 2023, and ironically, Anjon's is set to reclaim that space and open later this summer.

As for the prime real estate on Payne Road in Scarborough, it's likely to be filled with a restaurant yet again. Right across the street, Maine's first location of the popular chain Floor & Decor is set for a grand opening in weeks. Additionally, the land right next to the vacant restaurant has been flattened and appears ready for construction.