Benny’s is slated to open in mid-May in Portland

Benny’s is scheduled to open in Portland’s Arts District in mid-May. The restaurant is the latest concept by Josh Sobel, who owns Philadelphia-style Ramona’s sandwich shop on Washington Avenue. The menu will combine Philadelphia-inspired Italian comfort food with “Maine’s hospitality and passion for good drinks and good company,” according to a press release.

Dinner items include soft pretzel garlic knots, stuffed peppers, linguini with clams, and eggplant parmesan (entrees from $16 to $25). Lunch will feature hoagies, cheesesteaks and more. One wall at Benny’s will be devoted to 1970s and ’80s era Philadelphia sports memorabilia.



“The energy and passion behind Philly’s food and sports culture have always been a huge inspiration for me,” Sobel is quoted as saying in the release. “Benny’s is our way of bringing more of that spirit to Portland — great food, a fun vibe, and a sense of community.” For a short spell, Benny’s, at 545 Congress St.

in the space that was home to Broken Arrow , will be open for dinner only. Later in May, its days and hours will expand to 11 a.m.

to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Ramona’s owner to open new Congress Street restaurant We believe it’s important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It’s a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.

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