The Miss Portland on it’s last day of business, 2004, Larry Cultrera
It has been 4 years since the Miss Portland Diner, of Portland, Maine, Worcester Lunch Car No. 818 closed it’s doors. Randy Chasse, the last person to run the 1949 vintage diner decided to sell the land to the city and actually give the diner to the city as well, hoping they could move it and eventually find a way to open it back up somewhere else.
Well after a couple of false starts it is now beginning to look like it’s all finally coming together. A couple of weeks ago there was something about the sale coming to fruition between the City of Portland and a new buyer for the diner.
I checked out some late breaking news on the diner this afternoon. Here is the article from MaineToday.com about further developments….
Miss Portland on the move to new home
April 14, 2008
The Miss Portland Diner was moved today from her place of storage at Pearl and Somerset streets (directly across from Whole Foods), to her new home at 138 Marginal Way. The popular 1949 Worcester Diner hit the road at about 9:15 a.m. today. She was recently purchased by Tom Manning of Mahwah, N. J., from the City of Portland. It is scheduled to open in the fall in its new location as a diner, once again. Keeley Construction workers move the Miss Portland Diner to its new home along Marginal Way in Portland. Workers are lifting the diner onto its permanent foundation.
John Patriquin/Staff Photographer
Here is some video from WCSH-TV in Portland on the move…
Diner Hotline Weblog 
Hi Larry,
Wasn’t the Miss Portland originally around the corner on Forest Ave.? I seem to remember that , back in the 50’s.
Was the street that it was on up until the last, Marginal Way? If so, it is moving just down the street!
Ken B
Yes Ken, the diner’s original location was on Forest Avenue, just around the corner from where it had been until 4 years ago. I believe it was displaced for some sort of government related building on Forest Ave. The new location is down the street on Mariginal Way near a bus terminal I think. It will have a large addition for more seating.
Hey Larry!
I was just wondering what the hours of MPD are?
I lovee their food :]
Thanks!
Arianne
Arianne, Have they reopened? I know the diner was supposed to be ready for sometime this fall. I have not heard anything as of yet, but it could have opened. I will have to look into this.
whare is the diner now, please ?
The Miss Portland Diner is located about 2 to 3 blocks away from it’s old location on the other side of the street.
hey guys we’re waiting on that opening, and news on when that will be . we keep driving by ,doors aren’t open yet ….
can’t wait till opening, just let us know when
Schel,
Unfortunately, I only know what I read on the Miss Portland Diner. Being that I am based in the Boston area, I have to rely on interntet based news reports. I have read that it is supposed to open at the end of October. Guess we will have to wait and see.
I drive by the diner every morning on the way to work. it is now open
Jo, check out my post for 11-1-08. I did a follow-up!
Visited Saturday, November 15, 2008 with my family. The food was OUTSTANDING, but what topped my experience off, was the EXCELLENT service from a red-haired waitress ( I forget her name) but she was so kind, got the order perfect, and made us laugh amidst the chaos of non-stop patrons. I plan on returning and wish the best of success to all.