The Barkery dog park and restaurant closes in South Portland

The Barkery Dog Bar, an indoor dog park with a restaurant and bar in the Mill Creek Shopping Center, announced Monday that it had closed. “This is not the ending we hoped for, and it is not a decision we made lightly,” the [post from The Barkery](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ5zQc9AcPS/?hl=en&img_index=1) Dog Bar on social media reads in part. “It took nearly two years to bring The Barkery to life, and saying goodbye to this dream is deeply painful.” The Barkery Dog Bar launched in February, around the same time that a venue with a similar concept, Woof. Play. Eat., opened in Portland. The [trend of combination dog parks and restaurants](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/07/these-maine-eateries-cater-to-furry-friends-and-their-hoomans/) has gained traction nationwide over the past 10 years. In their post, The Barkery leadership team said they still believe in the viability of the concept. “We believe deeply in the opportunity it creates for community, connection, responsible dog ownership, and local partnership,” the post states. “But it is also a newer concept, and the runway is longer than we were financially able to carry.” The owners could not be reached immediately for further details on the reasons behind the closure. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [maine restaurant](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/maine-restaurant/), [the wrap](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/the-wrap/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula) [Tim CebulaStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula) Tim Cebula has been a food writer and editor for 23 years. A former correspondent for The Boston Globe food section, his work has appeared in Time, Health, Food & Wine, CNN.com, and Boston magazine,. [More by Tim Cebula](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula)