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Chef David Ross, who with his wife Merilee Paul owns 50 Local and Owen's Farmhouse in Kennebunkport, reports that Abbondante Trattoria and Bar in Kennebunk closed after service Sunday night.
No public announcement was made ahead of time; only staff was warned. Ross and Paul opened the Italian eatery in 2013 as a partnership with the Kennebunkport Resort Collection, which owns a number of area resorts and restaurants like Earth at Hidden Pond, David's KPT, and recent switcheroo One Dock Prime at Kennebunkport Inn. Abbondante was its only stand-alone restaurant.
Ross told Eater he's happy that the hotel group is taking care of its employees, helping them find new jobs if desired. For his part, Ross will be busy updating the menu and decor at 50 Local this fall, something for locals to look forward to.
Update, 9/8/15: David Ross shared with Eater a press release about the closing of the restaurant, which notes that the Kennebunkport Resort Collection will continue to use the Abbondante space for cooking classes and other special events. See the full release below:
"We have enjoyed 3 successful and exciting years with Abbondante, but have determined to close Abbondante & focus on the expanding growth of our core businesses 50 Local & Owen's Farmhouse along with our newest venture into the catering world.
Although bittersweet, we are excited to work on our new venture & our Abbondante family will continue to work with us in our current locations as well as other KRC dining spots.
The Kennebunkport Resort Collection will maintain the space that Abbondante has occupied at 27 Western Avenue in Lower Village Kennebunk. The restaurant space will be used for cooking classes, special dinners & destination events.
We thank you for your support over the past 3 years & we look forward to seeing you at 50 Local, Owen's Farmhouse and at our new ventures.
To close, we want to thank our Abbonante family, the closure of the group of amazing, talented, silly, fun, & kind work force is the hardest part of this transition."