Denny’s, which closed on Civic Center Drive in December, now stands vacant. The company has said closures nationwide are due to poor restaurant sales after the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Augusta’s distinctive Denny’s location abruptly closed for good on Dec. 24 with little more than a sign on the door, according to Denny’s media relations office. The future of the 1950s-style diner at 123 Civic Center Drive remains uncertain.

The location’s closure came without warning to customers or the city, according to Keith Luke, Augusta’s economic development director.

“I had no notice or warning other than what was in your own paper that this was coming,” Luke said. “I’ve heard no subsequent plans about the property.”

Denny’s announced in October that it planned to close 150 “underperforming restaurants” nationwide as ripple effects from the Covid-19 pandemic continue washing over the restaurant industry.

Luke said it was sad to see Denny’s go, but that Augusta still has many local breakfast restaurants and diners to eat at.

“I never really ate there, I’m a Downtown Diner guy myself,” Luke said. “I guess it’ll be interesting to see what happens with the IHOP down the street.”

-Dylan Tusinksi, Morning Sentinel