Decades-Old Maine Lobster Shack Permanently Closes

Perhaps its a sign of the industry or just a string of unfortunate luck but another prominent, family-owned seafood restaurant in Maine has permanently closed.

This time it's McLaughlin's Lobster Shack along Route 1 in Lincolnville. The restaurant has been operating in the family since 1956.

Alongside the Lobster Pound, McLaughlin's Lobster Shack was one of the two most recognizable and historical restaurants in the town of just over 2,000 residents.

McLaughlin's Lobster Shack in Lincolnville, Maine, to Be Auctioned Off

In a social media post, the owner of McLaughlin's Lobster Shack, Rick McLaughlin, stated the time was right to step away from the restaurant after decades. He cited health concerns as a key reason.

The restaurant itself could continue on, however. There will be an auction on October 2 where a potential interested party could nab both the real estate and business.

If there is no bid that satisfies, the restaurant could be developed into another venture down the line.

McLaughlin's Lobster Shack had their final day of operation this past weekend.

Bayley's Seafood Restaurant in Scarborough, Maine, Closed Recently As Well

In a social media post, Bayley's Seafood announced it would permanently close on Thursday, August 20.

The statement only read that the decision to close came to be after careful consideration.

Bayley's Seafood has had a tumultuous few years, including some lost seasons. The restaurant's patriarch died in 2021 and the future of the restaurant seemed bleak.

Reopening again took years and Bayley's Seafood struggled to recapture the magic it once had that made the restaurant a three-decade staple in the area.