It has been an ugly few months for the restaurant industry throughout southern Maine. From established and well-known chains like Cracker Barrel to established and beloved local spots like Muddy Rudder, nobody has been safe from the challenges in the restaurant business right now.

That includes smaller mom and pop shops that often make up the heartbeat of any given town or city they operate in. Even during difficult times, these shops typically survive thanks to lower expenses and less overhead. But not always as was the case with one sub shop in Westbrook, Maine.

Richie Ribeye's in Westbrook, Maine, Has Closed Permanently

While their social media and website haven't been updated, a post from Richie Ribeye's a couple weeks ago indicated that the business (not the real estate) was available for purchase.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

That included all equipment, supplies as well as some of the signature recipes that made Richie Ribeye a hit in Biddeford as well as Westbrook. It appears that there we no serious offers because another post in the Facebook marketplace indicates that equipment and supplies for the Westbrook location are being sold individually.

No Reason Given as to Why Richie Ribeye's is Closed

While the sell of equipment and the business indicates its closure, no reason was given as to why. Richie Ribeye started in Biddeford as a neighborhood sub shop serving up authentic Philly cheesesteaks.

It's popularity allowed the business to quickly expand, which included a new location in Westbrook opening a little over two years ago. Unless a new owner comes forward in record time, something else will fill that vacancy in the not-too-distant future,


 

14 Maine Restaurants That Have Closed Since Being Featured on National Television Shows

Here's a list of 14 Maine restaurants that sadly have closed down since being featured on national television shows. Hopefully the list doesn't continue to get larger.

Data was researched from tvfoodmaps.com

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

50 Most Popular Chain Restaurants in America

YouGov investigated the most popular dining brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to look through America's vast and divergent variety of restaurants—maybe you'll even find a favorite or two.

Gallery Credit: Paul Feinstein

More From 94.3 WCYY