Auction of Iconic Muddy Rudder Restaurant Fetches Big Bucks

Maine is home to some iconic businesses.

While there are a few retailers that can be considered iconic, like L.L. Bean, most of the state's most notable businesses are eateries and bars. Dysart's, DiMillo's, Pat's Pizza, Red's Eats, and the Red Barn, to name a few.

One of the most iconic restaurants in Southern Maine was the Muddy Rudder. Located on Route 1, but visible from I-295, the restaurant first opened in 1976. Yes, the place was around for nearly fifty years! The 250-seat restaurant was known for amazing seafood and great river views. Sadly, the restaurant closed permanently in October 2024.

After the closure, the property went up for sale for $1.4 million. While there was a lot of interest in the restaurant, no one purchased the property.

It now looks like the restaurant will get a new lease on life.

According to Maine Biz, the property sold at auction on Wednesday.

Sold by Keenan Auctions, the restaurant's auction attracted 10 bidders. In the end, the property sold for just over $1 million.

The buyer's identity was not revealed, but a representative for Keenan Auctions said the person's identity will be revealed following the 30-day closing period. There is no word on whether or not the new owner will continue to use the property as a restaurant. However, we can assume that they will. If an entreprenaur wanted to purchase a building for another purpose there are far more affordable options for sale.

Regardless, we wish the new owners all the best.

Look: 50 Maine Restaurants That are Worth the Trip

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's great "worht the trip" restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bakeries.

These great spots can be found across the state and waiting for you to give them a try.

How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Do You Remember These Bangor Mall Stores & Restaurants?

Thanks to the Zayre88 website, the Mall Hall of Fame website, and listener comments, we have compiled a list of former Bangor Mall stores and eateries. How many of these do you remember?