USA, ME: Lewiston’s Rusty Bus Brewing closing its door permanently

Another business is closing its doors permanently in downtown Lewiston after just over a year in business. Owners of Rusty Bus Brewing at 120 Lisbon St. announced on social media Monday they will close at the end of April or when their beer runs out, the Sun Journal reported on April 2.

At the heart of the notice, owners Peter and Nicole Ouellette wrote, in part:

“The changing dynamics of downtown have been a real struggle for us from the first day. Despite our best efforts, the ongoing lack of foot traffic, the departure of other small businesses, and the public perception of lower Lisbon Street being unsafe have ultimately led us to this difficult decision.

“We have reached a point where we are no longer able to sustain the brewery operations as is, and have decided to close the brewery, effective Sunday April 28th.”

When contacted by the Sun Journal, they responded they did not want to offer any more on their decision “except that business downtown is unsustainable.”

Rusty Bus opened in December 2022 after four years of planning by the couple, who won the JumpstartMe contest in 2021, an initiative launched by the Downtown Lewiston Association and LA Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers of the initiative said the Ouellettes won the competition due to their business plan that judges thought would be able to navigate “the current labor market and other challenges.”

The contest prize package, valued at $80,000, included accounting and legal services, architectural assistance, advertising and web development. In addition, property owner and Mayor Carl Sheline donated a full year of rent to the winner.

Rusty Bus quickly became popular with the community hosting live music, fundraisers, and other events. But there were several factors working against them, including no kitchen to offer food and a very limited schedule, opening four days a week for four or five hours at a time, with Saturday as the one full day open.

The closure comes on the heels of the closure of Tracy Jean’s Coffee Boutique at 50 Lisbon St. last month, just four months after opening with the owners mentioning plans to purchase the building.

They too declined to elaborate on their departure, posting on social media, “We will be in a safer location with a parking lot and outdoor seating.” Tracy Jean’s relocated to Bath.

Sherman Oaks California Kitchen lasted just over two months in the same location, closing in November 2022.

Dostie Jewelers closed in February of this year after six decades anchoring Lisbon Street at the intersection with Main Street and 76 years in business in Lewiston.

In a November 2023 interview, owner Mike Dostie, the former president of the Downtown Lewiston Association, said his reasons for moving were more than just economic. He said he saw an evolution and erosion of support from the city to the point where he felt “that a sustainable future here is no longer certain.”

“Things are difficult. Things are challenging,” Dostie answered when asked how he sees the business environment in downtown Lewiston today. Dostie Jewelers relocated to Yarmouth.

Boba restaurant closed in December of 2023 after more than four years in business at 97 Lisbon St. after opening in a former gas station in 2015.

Boba owners Zach Pratt and Keshia Thanephonesy also declined to speak publicly about the reasons for closing, posting on their social media page:

“After careful consideration of the economic landscape affecting downtown businesses, including the impact of hybrid working arrangements, increased commission fees from third-party delivery services such as DoorDash, and our own escalating operating costs, we have regrettably come to the conclusion that we can no longer sustain our operations within this community.”

Cowbell Grill & Tap closed its doors in March 2023 after four years in business. Owners Alex Markakis and Jimmy Albert also cited lack of foot traffic, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors behind their decision.

“We didn’t get a lot of cooperation from the city, we got a lot of regulation from the city,” Albert said in March 2023 interview with the Sun Journal. Parking and the city’s snow removal plan also came under fire from the two.

Asked if they would come back to Lewiston or Auburn, they said they would — in a different location. “We don’t want to be downtown,” Albert said.

Cowbell has three locations, in Biddeford, Scarborough and now in Rock Row in Westbrook.

Brenzels Caribbean Cuisine at 37 Park St. downtown closed its doors suddenly in September 2022, after just three months in operation.

In response to a Sun Journal request for comment to address the various concerns raised by some of the business owners, Angelynne Amores, director of marketing and communications for the city, said, in part, “It’s always disheartening to see local establishments shutter their doors, especially when they cite challenges related to the evolving dynamics of our city center,” she said.

“The concerns raised by Rusty Bus and others regarding the changing landscape of downtown certainly resonate deeply with us. We understand the difficulties, including concerns about certain areas,” Amores said.

“It’s worth noting that while perceptions of safety may not always align with actual crime statistics, we take all concerns seriously. Our LPD Community Resource Officer assigned to this specific area, along with the Crime Reduction Unit focusing on quality of life issues, have been diligently working to address any safety concerns. Additionally, we’ve implemented increased security measures in the garages that are monitored both during the day and at night.”

Amores noted, “We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant downtown environment where businesses can thrive, and we will continue to explore ways to support growth and success.”

Shanna Cox, the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO and president also responded to a request for comment, with the following; “We were happy to be a small part of Rusty Bus’s journey, and are sad to see them closing. With our own headquarters on Lisbon Street, we recognize the changes we have seen here in the last five years… the loss of thousands of office workers at Bates Mill Complex and Peck building, all who created a critical mass and foot traffic to the businesses.”

Cox added, “the issue is complex, and one we must address collectively … Complex issues require complex solutions, and we are eager to be part of the solution.”

03 April, 2024