Gritty McDuff's is closing its brewpub in Freeport

Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub will close in Freeport at the end of the month after 30 years in business at the location.

Owner Ed Stebbins said Gritty's 30-year land lease expires this year, and although he wanted to buy the property at 187 Lower Main St., that wasn't an option.

“We had big plans for the property but unfortunately the owners told us it wasn't for sale so we didn't really have much choice. We have to close the business,” Stebbins said. He noted that a new, shorter lease would have been possible, “but at this stage of my life and career I was not interested in leasing.”

Gritty's last day in Freeport will be November 30th. Stebbins said Gritty McDuff's original location in Old Port — which opened in 1988 — and its 18-year-old location in Auburn will remain open.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Stebbins said. “I feel terrible for my employees who have put so much work into the business. I feel terrible for the community because we are a big part of Freeport. And it's hard on our business, on Gritty's. But we don’t have much leeway.”

Stebbins said he gave his employees 30 days notice of the closure, which affected just over 20 employees at this point in the year. The Gritty's team has offered them jobs at the other two locations and helped them find another location if they wish, Stebbins said.

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