Roma and Bramhall to Close After Nov. 21, Mainebiz Reports

Roma and Bramhall to Close After Nov. 21, Mainebiz Reports

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Two long-standing fixtures of Portland’s West End are preparing to shutter their doors for the final time.

The Italian restaurant Roma and its basement bar, Bramhall, will both cease operations after next Saturday, Nov. 21, Mainebiz reported.

The announcement, shared by the owners via social media, marks the end of a multi-decade presence at 769 Congress St. The closures change the neighborhood's dining scene, as these two distinct concepts have occupied the same building for years.

“We’ve made friends, shared stories, celebrated milestones and built a little family within these walls,” the owners wrote in their social media post. “It’s hard to imagine saying goodbye.”

A century of dining history

The lineage of the site stretches back to the early 20th century. Dominic Marino originally opened the Roma Cafe at 489 Congress St. in 1924, Mainebiz reported.

The establishment eventually moved to its current location at 769 Congress St. in 1965. It remained under the stewardship of the Marino family until 1985, before eventually closing in 2008.

The brand saw a resurgence in 2017 when a new ownership group, led by Michael Fraser, revived the Roma name. Bramhall, which occupies the basement of the building, has its own independent history; it opened in the 1970s, closed around 2009, and was reopened by Fraser in October 2014.

As the businesses enter their final week, the owners noted they are operating with a smaller staff. They encouraged patrons to visit before the doors close permanently.

“If you’ve ever found yourself tucked into a corner of Bramhall with a cocktail, or around a table at Roma with people you love, we’d love to see you again,” the owners said.

A wave of Maine restaurant closures

The departure of Roma and Bramhall coincides with more dining establishments closing across the state as the season turns. The transition into colder months often brings slower business cycles for Maine’s hospitality sector.

Several other local businesses have recently ended their operations:

  • Mesa Grande Taqueria on Fore Street in Portland will serve its last meals on Saturday, Nov. 14.
  • Minibar, an indoor mini-golf and restaurant venue in Portland, closed on Nov. 1.
  • The Lobster Cooker and Pub in Freeport closed on Oct. 31.
  • Funky Bow Brewery & Beer Co. in Lyman closed on Nov. 1.

The list of upcoming departures continues into late November. Nosh Kitchen & Bar is scheduled to close on Nov. 22 after 16 years of service in downtown Portland, Mainebiz reported.

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