
40 Years After It Opened, Margaritas In Orono Has Closed For Good
Forty years after it opened its doors, Margaritas in Orono has permanently closed.
On Friday, there was a sign on the door informing anyone who might show up to eat, that it is no longer open.
Known for its signature salsa, brightly colored decor, and famous specialty margaritas, the restaurant has been a staple for many town residents and college students.
News of the restaurant's closure will certainly come as a surprise to many, as it did to me when I heard it.
As the phones at the Orono location have been disconnected, we reached out to management via email for comment and have not heard back yet.
Margaritas Orono Closure 'Difficult Decision'
However, a patron who contacted the restaurant asking about the closure was told via email, "[O]ur operator in Orono has made the difficult decision to close permanently. We sincerely appreciate the community's support over the years and hope to serve them once again in the future!"
The reply then encouraged the patron to visit the Ellsworth location.
Margaritas now has five locations in Maine, including those in Ellsworth, Augusta, Portland, Auburn, and Brunswick. The Orono location is no longer listed on the company's website.

Margaritas in Orono Opened in 1985
According to the website, Franchise Times, the first Margaritas opened on Mill Street in Orono in 1985 and now has 25 locations nationwide.
As recently as 2023, this publication touted the restaurant franchise as being very forward-thinking, upgrading equipment and making some changes to their hours of operation in an attempt to keep their doors open amid a shaky economy after the COVID pandemic.
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"In a time, full of economic uncertainty, Margaritas has taken proactive steps to combat the labor shortage and maintain profitability.
From increasing efficiency to combating economic turmoil and revamping their restaurant design, the Margaritas team is paving the way for continued success.
Over the last year, Margaritas launched a new loyalty program, mobile ordering app, and enhanced technology for ordering through third parties."
It appears that even with changes like opening after lunch and closing on Mondays, these moves weren't enough to keep the Orono location open.
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For many who lived in town or went to the University of Maine, along with Pat's Pizza, Margaritas has been a popular place to gather and eat, for decades. The last time I was there was just before taking in a Maine Hockey game with my family.
We're not sure what might replace the iconic restaurant. What would you like to see go into the space?
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