Report: Augusta, Maine, 99 Restaurant Forced to Temporarily Close

After an emergency response from Augusta Fire on Wednesday evening, the 99 Restaurant on Civic Center Drive has been forced to, at least temporarily, close, according to the Kennebec Journal.

It's worth noting that the restaurant did pass its previous health inspection back in the fall of 2022.

The newspaper reported that a sprinkler-triggered fire alarm at the restaurant prompted a large response from the Augusta Fire Department on Wednesday, followed by a visit from Code Enforcement Director Rob Overton.

Upon Overton's visit and inspection of the eatery, he said that multiple code violations were found that could affect the health and safety of the patrons.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Overton cited waste water being found in the basement as well as, "faulty fire alarm system, serious serious electrical issues throughout the building, mold in the basement, an unsanitary kitchen area, grease behind and near the cooking equipment, rotten and moldy food in the walk-in refrigerator and emergency exits blocked or not lit up."

Overton's visit happened after Augusta fire officials said they spotted several of the violations during their call to the 99 Restaurant. He did note that the restaurant may once again open to the public following his inspection after the violations are remedied.

A restaurant representative said a major sprinkler leak earlier that day had flooded the basement and soaked parts of the bar’s electrical system, according to the newspaper.

Overton told the KJ that such issues are common and often stem from staffing shortages.

He also noted that he suspected that some of the work that would need to be completed to reopen likely include the repair of the sprinkler and fire alarm, the wastewater properly cleaned from the basement, the electrical system inspected and repaired, and the kitchen cleaned to get rid of the grease buildup.