FREEPORT – The landmark eatery, which has been in business for some 30 years, posted a sign last week stating the establishment would be closed until “further notice,” but Michelle Moyen, the restaurant’s office manager, confirmed that the closure would be permanent.

“All I can say is that we are closed, likely for good,” she said on Feb. 14.

The closing results in the loss of 25 full- and part-time jobs, said Moyen, who added she was contacting the Maine CareerCenter to assist in streamlining unemployment claims for the affected workers.

Moyen declined to elaborate on the reasons behind the closure, but a recent renovation of the historic building suggested a shift in philosophy.

Jameson Tavern had undergone a significant downsizing last last year by converting the front section, formerly a dining room, into retail space. The restaurant effectively moved to the back section, known as the Tap Room, and experimented with a slightly modified menu featuring smaller portions. At the time, Moyen listed several reasons behind owner John Stiles’ decision to downsize, including the amount of restaurants in Freeport, a loss of sales and a sluggish economy. Despite these factors, Moyen said in December, she was optimistic the restaurant would persevere and be stronger

The news of the closing came as a shock to neighboring businesses, many of whom considered the restaurant to be integral part of the downtown. Chip Gray, general manager of the Harraseekett Inn on Main Street, said he was disappointed to hear the news.

“It’s such an iconic property with a lot of history behind it,” Gray said. “I was very surprised to say the least.”

Jonas Werner, owner of the neighboring Azure Cafe?, echoed Gray’s comments, and partially blamed the closure on the glut of restaurants currently in Freeport.

“I’m saddened because it’s been there for as long as I’ve been coming to Freeport, which is 25 years,” Werner said. “The economic development model of saying more businesses is better doesn’t always work. Economic development needs to be sustainable and not about immediate tax gains. I know after Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen opened two years ago, we had a same-day effect. I’m sure it impacted the Jameson Tavern, too.”

Built in 1779, Jameson Tavern has a long and colorful history and is purported to be where the documents were signed to officially separate Maine from Massachusetts.

According to information on the restaurant’s website, such luminaries as the poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittier, as well as the 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, were known to have stopped there on their way to Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

The restaurant gained national attention in 2003 when popular Food Network personality Bobby Flay visited to learn first-hand the techniques of cooking a traditional Maine lobster dinner.

Brahms Mount, the retailer now occupying the converted front section of the building, will continue to operate, said Moyen.

Numerous attempts to reach Stiles for comment were unsuccessful.

Jameson Tavern, on Main Street in Freeport, downsized in December. Last week, it closed.