Here’s What Replaced Cracker Barrel in South Portland, Maine

Right at the beginning of 2025, many people who frequent the Maine Mall area were shocked when the only Cracker Barrel location in the state suddenly closed their doors permanently.

Truth be told, it had been a battle for months for Cracker Barrel in South Portland. Staffing problems in both the kitchen and amongst the wait staff had mounted and the restaurant chain decided to close down completely.

The South Portland Cracker Barrel was built from the ground up, meaning it had the distinct look that Cracker Barrel likes for their restaurants. So what would be next for that prime real estate?

Great Bay Spa and Sauna Takes Over Old Cracker Barrel Restaurant in South Portland

As people often wonder what might be next in the space left behind by a notable chain restaurant, most of the time they only consider another restaurant.

That isn't the case with the former Cracker Barrel space in South Portland. Instead, it's now home to Great Bay Spa and Sauna.

As their name suggests, Great Bay offers a wide selection of hot tubs, saunas swim spas and more. They also offer repair services as well. South Portland will be a second location for Great Bay, who currently operates a store in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

It's Been a Rough Year For Cracker Barrel Restaurant

Even prior to the South Portland closure, Cracker Barrel restaurants nationwide were plagued with declining sales and lagging interest.

In August, Cracker Barrel announced plans to refresh their chain of eateries, which included a new logo. That was met with immediate backlash.

With the logo controversy behind them, Cracker Barrel is now focused on reimagining their restaurants in hopes of saving the chain in trouble.