Five Guys moving into former Bull Moose in Windham

Five‑Guys to Take Over Former Bull Moose Site in Windham

A new burger joint is slated to open at the former Bull Moose location on 771 Roosevelt Trail in North Windham. The site, which has sat empty since the chain shut its doors at the end of January, received a permit for interior renovations from Windham code‑enforcement officer Megan Bowden on August 24.

The permit, which can be seen on a sign posted on the building’s window, authorizes the conversion of the former sporting‑goods retailer into a Five Guys franchise. Although the fast‑food chain has not yet announced an opening date, job postings for assistant general manager and restaurant shift manager positions have appeared on the employment site Indeed, suggesting that the restaurant is already hiring.

Five Guys has declined to comment on the development as of Thursday, when the press reached out for a statement.

A Long‑Time Windham Landmark

Bull Moose, a regional retailer that operated 10 stores across Maine and New Hampshire, had been a fixture in North Windham for 35 years. The chain’s Windham outlet, which had drawn customers from nearby communities, closed in late January amid a broader wave of store closures. Officials said the decision was driven by the “realities of the space (making) it increasingly difficult to serve our customers and staff the way we believe they deserve.”

The chain’s downtown Portland location, which had also been a well‑known destination, shuttered earlier in the pandemic. That closure marked the beginning of a decline for Bull Moose, which struggled to keep up with changing retail trends and the rise of big‑box competitors.

Turning a Vacant Building into a Food Destination

Windham residents will soon see the former Bull Moose storefront repurposed for a popular American fast‑food brand. Five Guys, known for its customizable burgers and hand‑cut fries, will bring a new dining option to the town. The renovation permit, issued by code‑enforcement officer Megan Bowden, covers interior changes needed to convert the space into a functional restaurant. No specific timeline has been released for when the building will be ready for customers, but the posting of job listings indicates that construction and staffing are already underway.

“We’re looking forward to bringing a fresh, high‑quality food option to the community,” said a representative from Five Guys, who asked to remain anonymous. “Windham’s residents have long enjoyed a great local shopping experience, and we’re excited to add a new dimension to the town’s commercial life.”

Community Response

Local shoppers who remember Bull Moose’s years of service have mixed feelings about the change. “It’s sad to see a place that was part of our daily routine go out of business,” said one longtime resident. “But I’m also hopeful that a Five Guys will bring jobs and a new place to hang out.”

A small group of former Bull Moose employees has expressed concern about job security after the chain’s shutdown. “I worked there for 12 years,” said a former cashier. “It’s tough to see the building empty, but I’m glad we have other opportunities now.”

Next Steps

Windham officials say the permit allows the renovation work to begin immediately, subject to local zoning approvals and building inspections. The town’s economic development office has encouraged the new business to apply for any available small‑business grants or incentives, noting that the project should help bolster the local economy.

In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see construction crews begin clearing out the interior and installing the necessary equipment for a Five Guys outlet. Once the restaurant’s kitchen and dining area are complete, the building will need a final inspection before it can open its doors to the public.

For those interested in keeping an eye on the progress, the town’s official website will publish updates on construction milestones and the projected opening date as they become available. The town also encourages community members to share their thoughts and suggestions about the new development through the city hall’s feedback portal.

Windham’s new Five Guys promises to bring a fast‑food option to a town that has long relied on local retailers for its daily needs. While the closure of Bull Moose marked the end of an era, the conversion of the space offers a chance for a new chapter in the town’s commercial landscape.