The Mill House Pub on Lewiston Street in Mechanic Falls, seen Jan. 19, abruptly closed its doors and is not expected to reopen. “My lease didn’t run out, my money did,” owner Steve Perry posted on the company’s social media page Jan. 17. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Owner Steve Perry has called it quits and closed the Mill House Pub at 128 Lewiston St. in Mechanic Falls permanently. In a Jan.17 post on the company’s social media page, Perry wrote: “As of today the Mill House Pub is closed. We will not reopen short of an act of God.”

The post makes several references to financial difficulties, including: “My lease didn’t run out, my money did.”

Perry and former business partner Yvonne Franklin bought the former Shooters Sports Pub and reopened it as the Mill House in February 2018. It was a popular locale, especially for area musicians and dancing.

A patron and friend of Perry’s said he was floored by the announcement because the venue was always packed on the weekends. He said the COVID-19 pandemic was especially hard on the owner.

As of Thursday, more than 230 comments were posted in reaction to the closing, many of them musicians offering up compliments and thanks for being so connected with the local music scene.

Perry wrote: “The musicians are better than they think they are… you should be playing in bigger venues for more money.”

He apologized for the suddenness of the closure, adding, “I literally ran with the opportunity until they turned out the lights.”

This story was originally published as part of “Frank’s Restaurant & Pub in Lisbon Falls has new owners” The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com