There Once Was a McDonald’s and Burger King in Downtown Portland, Maine

Downtown Portland has changed a lot over the past 50 years. Once the commercial district of Portland, it had stores and restaurants up and down Congress Street including Porteous, G.M Pollack and Sons Jewelers, The Sportsman's Grill, and the list goes on and on.

But when the Maine Mall opened up, businesses flocked to it, causing Portland's Downtown to re-invent itself into what it is today—lots of independently owned restaurants, art galleries, and gift shops.

Many people may not remember that Downtown Portland once had a McDonald's and a Burger King.

McDonald's - Corner of Oak and Congress Street

The golden arches weren't huge back in the early 80s in Downtown Portland, but you still couldn't miss them.  The restaurant opened in the 70s when McDonald's was building stores all over the country expanding their footprint.

It was a popular stop for people after any event at the Cross Insurance Arena, then known as the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Today the spot is occupied by Soleil, a home goods and gift shop.

Here's the same shot today:

Burger King - 20 Monument Square

Burger King opened in the former Sheldon's Mens Shop in May of 1983 and had a decent run downtown until it closed in 1997. It was well known for the giant clock near the counter. It's still there today but is now the home of David's Restaurant.

You can see photos of Burger King in Monument Square in 1983 at the link below.