Molly and Rick Wood This Morning at Rick’s Lobby Cafe in Portland’s Post Office Square Building, on Congress Street.
“We are still figuring out what we will do next,” said Molly Wood late this morining as she discussed the surprise that Rick’s Lobby Cafe will be closing on Friday, September 1, 2023 following eight years of business in the same location. “We have been here for so long and have been a great resource with a nice friendly chat for our many patrons over the years.”
The couple learned in May of the landlord’s intention to rennovate the first floor space in the Post Office Square Building on Congress Street. That rennovation will not include space for the cafe according to the Exchange Street Partners, a/k/a Kristen Robichaud.
“We have looked at a lot of spaces in the area and they are all much larger and out of our price range, said Molly. “We can’t really do what we do here anywhere else. It’s just the two of us and we don’t want any employees. We have been in this space for over eight years. We took it over from Dan Fuente.”
Soon it was lunch time and patrons began streaming into the Lobby, stunned at the news that their favorite take out cafe will be closing next week – leaving them high and dry for a convenient and high-qualify breatkast and lunch spot in their neighborhood. Molly counts among their numerous customers employees of city hall, tourists, courthouse employees, local residents and local businesses. Sometimes she even serves as a doorwoman opening the heavy door to the post office lobby itself for those needing assistance because of large packages or mobility issues.
One of those frequent customers at Rick’s is Craig Sheil an employee at the nearby courthouse. He said: “It’s really sad. This is a landmark place that has been here so long and served so many being pushed aside. I don’t know where I’m going now. Craig walks over from a courthouse once or twice a week for lulnch. He always orders his favorite – a veggie hummus wrap. Craig is a retired police officer from New York City. He retired in 2013 after 24 l/2 years on the job. “It was stressful most of the time, but a front row seat to the greatest show in the world in New York City!”
“It’s too bad Rick’s is closing. I’m sure a lot of other local people would agree with me” said Jim Defresne, founder and director of the Maine Masonic Civil War Library & Museum across the street. “I will miss the friendly people here.”
Rick’s is open until Friday, September 1st Monday – Thursday from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm and on Friday from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm.