Two businesses in Westbrook’s downtown have closed their doors after less than a year.

Eddie’s Eatery on Cumberland Street and Soma Massage and Wellness on Main Street are both no longer in operation, Bill Baker, Westbrook’s assistant city administrator for business and community relations, confirmed this week.

Eddie’s Eatery, a small restaurant specializing in breakfast and sandwiches, has a large “For Lease” sign draped across the front of the store. Eddie’s Eatery closed in June. Real estate agent Richard Coyne said while there is a bank interested in the property, it has not been purchased yet.

A Soma employee said the business, which offered therapeutic massages, was closed. Owner Julie Wright, who as a child went to school in Westbrook, also operates a Soma Massage and Wellness in South Portland. The Westbrook facility opened late last year.

“It is very sad to see any business model fail. I know how hard we work to support these new businesses, and Soma was a good example,” said Baker. “We took the time to amend some local ordinances and rules to help them attract and retain new employees, for example. We wish everybody was successful but to some extent this is the natural life cycle of things,” Baker said.

No one from either business returned phone calls by the American Journal’s deadline Wednesday.

At the same time Soma has closed, Authentic Beauty, Salon & Wellness Center is opening at 869 Main St., just a few doors down. It offers some similar services, including polarity therapy and Reiki.

– Suzanne Hodgson

The building that until recently was Eddie’s Eatery on Cumberland Street is now for lease.