One of the southernmost Pat’s Pizza restaurants in Maine will close its doors this weekend.
The Pat’s Pizza on Market Street in Portland’s Old Port will be giving away free food — while the supply lasts — with drink orders Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the owners said in a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post, which declared this weekend the last when the restaurant will be open.
“Thanks for a great 14 years!” the owners said.
The Old Port Pat’s Pizza was operated for 10 years by restauranter Chris Tyll, who sold the location in 2019.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PIZZA PIE
Pat’s Pizza was founded in Orono in 1931 as Farnsworth Cafe by C.D. “Pat” Farnsworth. He originally didn’t sell pizza, but burgers, hot dogs and ice cream. The iconic pizza was added to the menu in 1953. It proved so popular that Farnsworth rebranded his restaurant as Pat’s Pizza.
Farnsworth died in 2003.
Over the years, the restaurant has expanded from its original Orono location — popular with locals and University of Maine students alike — to 15 locations from Presque Isle to Machias to Portland. After this weekend, there will be one fewer.
Pat’s Pizza is the latest Old Port staple to close in recent weeks. Irish pub Bull Feeney’s closed on March 26, after one last St. Patrick’s Day.
Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly stated the Old Port location was the southernmost Pat’s Pizza.